Brendan Sexton, former NYC sanitation commissioner dies at 78

Publish date: 2024-05-08

New York, NY – Former NYC Sanitation Commissioner Brendan Sexton passed away on November 14, 2023, at the age of 78, surrounded by his beloved family. His death was confirmed through a heartfelt announcement shared by the Dalzell-Sexton family on Facebook, describing him as their patriarch.

Details regarding the specific cause of Brendan Sexton’s passing have not been disclosed. Born on June 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, he embarked on a remarkable journey marked by a dedication to public service and a commitment to the welfare of New Yorkers.

Sexton’s educational journey began at Forest Hills High School in Queens, followed by a distinguished pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology at NYU, where he graduated with high honors (summa cum laude) in 1969. He later returned to NYU as a Clinical Professor at the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

His dedication to the well-being of fellow New Yorkers emerged during his undergraduate years at NYU, where he co-founded Encounter, Inc., alongside his late former wife, Lynn Ossa, and lifelong friend, the late Jan Stacy. This innovative treatment program catered to young drug abusers in Greenwich Village.

Council Member Gale A. Brewer posted on Facebook,

“My friend Brendan Sexton has died. He served five New York City mayoral administrations and through all of it kept a sparkle in his eyes. As the NYC Sanitation Commissioner from 1986–1990, he established the first recycling program in a major American city (and hired the first women ever as uniformed sanitation workers!).
“After leaving government, he headed the Times Square BID (back when cleaning up that area was still a heavy lift), served on the boards of the Municipal Art Society and the South Street Seaport Museum (among many others), and most recently consulted on sustainability and social responsibility for corporations. He was a gem, and I will miss him. There will be a memorial service at 1 pm next Tuesday afternoon (11/21) at Judson Memorial Church in the Village.”

Over a span of more than 25 years, Sexton accumulated extensive experience in government and corporate sectors, serving under five different mayors of New York City. His journey began in 1976 with an appointment to the Mayor’s Management Advisory Board, also known as the Shinn Commission. He later held key positions such as Director in the Department of Investigations (DOI) and oversight of the Mayor’s Office of Operations.

My friend Brendan Sexton has died. As DSNY Commissioner from 1986 to 1990 he established the 1st recycling program in a major US city and hired the 1st women as uniformed sanitation workers. He was a pioneer of the MMR and ran Corruption Prevention at DOI. A true public servant. pic.twitter.com/sQNhRU95XW

— Gale A. Brewer (@galeabrewer) November 16, 2023

Survived by his wife Karen Dalzell, sister Patricia Hersh, children Amber Sexton, Tara Shelby Sexton M.D., Brendan Sexton III, David Zalk, Oona Dalzell-Sexton, and Zoë Dalzell-Sexton, as well as stepchildren Eben Sexton, Lisa Abitbol, Ilona Abitbol, and Carinna Abitbol, along with his grandchild Ajali Z Harrison and step-grandchildren Kai Abitbol-Pierce, Masai Marchan, and Téa Padro.

The family will release Brendan Sexton’s obituary, allowing the community to honor and celebrate the life of a man dedicated to public service and committed to the welfare of his fellow New Yorkers.

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