July 18, 1939 – November 16, 2025

New York City has lost one of its most legendary political figures. Sid Davidoff, who spent six decades at the heart of the city’s political life, passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Davidoff was a product of New York City through and through. He graduated from City College of New York in 1960 and earned his law degree from NYU in 1963, beginning a career that would make him one of the most respected and influential figures in New York politics.

The Lindsay Years

Davidoff’s rise was meteoric. By his mid-twenties, he was already a trusted aide to Mayor John Lindsay, serving as administrative assistant during one of the most tumultuous periods in the city’s history. He was Lindsay’s “walking guide to the streets of New York,” managing the mayor’s schedule whenever he left City Hall and serving on the front lines during crises from sanitation strikes to the unrest at Columbia University. Elizabeth Holtzman, who worked alongside him, noted that “Sid Davidoff, in essence, helped make it possible for Lindsay to govern the city.”

His dedication to Lindsay earned him a peculiar badge of honor: He was number 12 on President Richard Nixon’s enemies list, a distinction he wore with pride. “I think it should absolutely be carved into my gravestone: ‘He was lucky enough to be on Nixon’s enemies list,'” he once wrote.

A Political Powerhouse

After leaving City Hall, Davidoff founded Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP in 1975, building it into one of New York’s premier law and lobbying firms. For half a century, he served as an informal adviser to mayors and governors, respected across party lines. He was Mayor David Dinkins’ tennis partner and a strong supporter of Bill de Blasio, who officiated his 2014 wedding to journalist Linda Stasi at City Hall.

Manhattan Democratic Party Chair Keith Wright called him “the alpha and the omega,” adding, “Anybody involved in politics or government knows the name of Sid Davidoff. He was a real griot. He had institutional memory. And people came from far and wide to seek his advice.”

The Man Behind the Legend

Those who knew Davidoff described him as brilliantly smart, street-savvy, and warm. His wife, Linda Stasi, remembered him as “a tough guy, a genuine New York character… who was just the sweetest, kindest person in the world.” He was athletic, enjoyed bodybuilding, tennis, and several sports, and possessed a work ethic that never wavered. At 86, colleagues said he “thought like a 40-year-old” and worked up until the very end.

Friend Steve Isenberg captured his essence: “He was very much an unpretentious, no bull but very forceful guy. He had a lot of insight into exactly what made the wheels turn and who made the wheels turn.”

Davidoff was also a teacher and mentor, serving as a Chubb Fellow at Yale University, lecturing at NYU School of Law, and teaching political science classes at City College. He even had small roles in television shows including Spin City and The Sopranos.

A Lasting Legacy

Republican Congressman Mike Lawler honored Davidoff on the House floor, noting, “He worked right up to the end, always thinking about what more he could do for the city and state he loved.”

Sid Davidoff’s death came just one day before the planned 50th anniversary celebration of his firm, a poignant reminder that even legends are mortal. But his impact on New York City politics and government affairs will endure for generations.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Stasi, and stepdaughter Jessica Rovello, along with countless friends, colleagues, and protégés who benefited from his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the city he loved.

“He just knew the pulse and measure of this city, right down to the ground.”

Memorial contributions may be made to organizations supporting civic engagement and political education in New York City.