Morton Povman

Known as “Morty” to friends, colleagues, and family, he was a tireless politician, talented attorney, and devoted community advocate. He was born in 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Morris and Dora Povman, and was the middle of three siblings – his older brother David, a World War II veteran, and younger sister Roberta. He excelled academically from an early age and graduated magna cum laude from the Baruch Business School of the City College of New York. He then attended Brooklyn Law School where he was first in his class and Editor-in-Chief of the Brooklyn Law Review. After graduating from law school, he founded a law office in Forest Hills, New York, where he practiced for more than 60 years, focusing on clients’ needs for trial, trusts and estates, and real estate work. He also dedicated many hours to pro bono legal work for local community groups.

Morty was continually active in local politics and in 1971 was selected to replace Donald Manes on the New York City Council when Manes became Queens Borough President. He was the longest-serving member of the New York City Council, representing the 24th District, which includes Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Briarwood, Kew Gardens Hills, and Fresh Meadows, for more than 30 years. During that time, he served as Chair of the Health Committee and the Rules Committee. He was known as a strong advocate for his constituents, protecting his district’s parks, hospitals, and police precincts. He had the honor of serving with five different Mayors of New York City: John Lindsay, Abe Beame, Ed Koch, David Dinkins, and Rudy Giuliani. In addition, he served as District Leader and led the John F. Kennedy Regular Democratic Club in Flushing.

He married Sandra Arkow, RN, in 1958. Over the next 66 years, together they enjoyed civic and community participation, all forms of the arts, sailing, travel, tennis, and nature. They loved raising their two sons, Michael and Bruce, who both followed in Morty’s footsteps to legal careers.

Morty was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and, on his last day, great-grandfather. He made an enormous impact in his lifetime, showing up for his constituents, his clients, his family, friends, and the community at large. He was humble and hardworking in his lifelong service to justice and fairness, and always did the right thing.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, his sister-in-law, Helen Povman, his two sons Michael and Bruce, and their spouses Jennifer and Sharon. He will be forever adored by his grandchildren: Benjamin, Martin, Jonathan, Amanda and her husband Zachary Porges, and Matthew and his wife Ariana and their newborn son, soon to be named.