Real estate leader Lewis Rudin dead at 74.

Lewis Rudin, one of the most renowned, respected and influential leaders in New York's real estate, civic and philanthropic circles for over four decades, died Sept. 20. Rudin, a native New Yorker and resident of Manhattan, was 74 years old.

Lewis Rudin and his older brother, Jack, represent the second generation of a New York family whose contributions as builders, property owners and managers have had a profound effect on the city's skyline for more than 75 years. Rudin's parents, Samuel and May, began a tradition of philanthropy and civic pursuits that the Rudin brothers built upon, benefiting the city's business community mightily and creating some signature New York organizations and events.

In addition to serving, with his brother, as cochairman of Rudin Management Company, Rudin, known to his friends as Lew, was perhaps best known as the Chairman of the Association for a Better New York, an organization he co-founded in 1971. ABNY is a unique consortium of New York business, political and labor leaders who address the problems and issues affecting the overall economic health of the city. Under the organization's auspices, Rudin initiated a wide variety of activities specifically aimed at maintaining the city's place as the top corporate and financial headquarters of the world and at making the city a better place in which to live and work. Since its inception, ABNY has served as the model for many other such civic organizations. ABNY advocated enhanced facilities for the public schools of New York, better transportation and cleaner streets, provided bulletproof vests for the New York City Police Department and launched a myriad of other initiatives.

One of Rudin's proudest accomplishments occurred during the city's fiscal crisis in the 1970's, when he rallied the real estate and business communities to prepay their real estate taxes in a successful effort to help the city avoid bankruptcy. He also successfully lobbied Congress to protect the deductibility of state and local taxes in the 1980's. In 1976, Rudin and his brother joined New York City Mayor Abraham Beame, Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and Fred Lebow of the Road Runners Club to create and sponsor the first five-borough New York City Marathon. The trophy awarded the winner of the race is known as the Samuel Rudin Trophy in honor of their father. Rudin was also a principal force in keeping the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York City.

Throughout his every activity, Rudin was a tireless spokesman for New York. He was a familiar voice as an ardent supporter, defender and activist for the city, constantly appearing in the media and before a myriad of civic groups, always promoting New York's strengths and bright future. He was a driving force behind the "I Love NY" and "The Big Apple" campaigns. He was known worldwide for pinning Big Apple pins on everyone he met. He was known by many as "Mr. New York."

The Rudin business was founded in 1925 by Rudin's builder-philanthropist father, Samuel Rudin, who rose from modest beginnings in New York City's Lower East Side to become one of New York's major builders and real estate owners. The signature of the Rudin family can be seen throughout the city in their residential and commercial buildings constructed, owned and managed by the Rudin family. The May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation's philanthropy is felt throughout the city, helping many not-for-profit organizations. Rudin scholarships are awarded to medical students, nurses and many college students. Rudin's philosophy and that of his family transcended all religions and can be seen in the efforts made to synagogues, churches and various religious organizations throughout the city.

In 1995, the Rudins built their first office building at 415 Madison Ave. and 48th Street. Then they built 1 Battery Park Plaza and 345 Park Ave., which became the headquarters of Bristol-Myers.

Like other landlords, Rudin often protested the city's rent regulations, saying low rents were a brake on new housing construction. The family built its last residential building at 211 East 70th St. in 1976 but they continued building office towers in the 1980s and 1990s.

Rudin's unrelenting devotion to his city won him awards and plaudits from far and wide. He was named Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his help in securing landing rights in New York for the Concorde; was a recipient of the Bronze Medallion, New York City's highest civic award; and was named a "Living Landmark" by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. He received honorary degrees from several colleges and universities and many other awards for outstanding public service and distinguished citizenship. He also holds the title of Honorary Police Commissioner of New York City.

In addition to his love for his family, friends and New York City, and despite suffering from severe glaucoma, Rudin was passionate about golf. He was a founding member of the Board of The First Tee, a nationwide organization dedicated to providing inner city youth the opportunity to participate in the game of golf. Rudin played in many golf events across the United States raising funds for many worthwhile organizations.

He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School and New York University. He served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant during World War II. Rudin was chairman, trustee, director and/or member of a host of organizations, including New York University, Central Synagogue, Lenox Hill Hospital, Citizens Crime Commission, Carnegie Hall, New York City Police Foundation, the New York City Partnership, Senior Professional Golf Association Tour Division Board, Ford's Theatre, New York Racing Association and First Tee.

He is survived by his wife Rachel, brother Jack, daughter Beth Rudin DeWoody, son William and daughter-in-law Ophelia, and grandchildren Carlton and Kyle DeWoody and Samantha and Michael Rudin. Rudin loved his family and New York City. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral services were. held at Central Synagogue (55th Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan) on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.