Kenneth P. Zebrowski

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Described by New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver as a man of “leadership and integrity, wisdom and wit, compassion and generosity of spirit,^[1]” Kenneth Peter Zebrowski improved the lives of countless people in Rockland County, New York as an attorney, lawmaker, and community activist. When he joined the NYS Assembly in 2005, he brought with him what Speaker Silver called “an impressive history of legislative leadership.^[2]” The Journal News called Zebrowski a “prolific bill-writer who could get legislation passed, a boon to his constituents.” At the time of his death, Assemblyman Zebrowski had one hundred two bills pending before the state legislature dealing with a variety of issues such as stronger public schools, greater access to health care, and tax relief^[3]. He authored significant legislation to protect and advance the needs and concerns of the residents of the 94th Assembly District including new laws to help his constituents in Haverstraw cope with exploding property taxes, to provide for better representation on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to preserve the environment, and to protect children^[4]. Elected to the Rockland County Legislature in 1973 at just 27 years of age, he spent more than 33 years working tirelessly to improve Rockland’s environment, protect consumers, limit the tax burden on homeowners, combat domestic violence, and make government more open and accountable. In his tenure in local government, Assemblyman Zebrowski compiled a record of significant achievement. Thanks to his leadership in establishing Catskill Regional Off-Track Betting as an alternative revenue source, Rockland County has received more than $50 Million. The Rockland County Stream Conservation and Universal Flow Control Act he sponsored helped to prevent over-development and ensure watershed protection. Other major legislative accomplishments include creating the "Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner" (SAFE) Program, banning the use of the drug Ephedra, banning the sale of synthetic steroids to minors, and strengthening the Rockland County Ethics Law. He was elected by his colleagues in government to chair the County Legislature for four terms. He also served as Majority Leader for two terms and as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. Zebrowski left his “mark” on every facet of county government, from the charter and administrative revisions of the mid 1980s through the transition to single member districts in the late 1990s and subsequent redistricting in 2000. Born in Brooklyn, New York on November 12, 1945, he attended St. Anthony's Elementary School, Albertus Magnus High School, Fordham University and New York Law School, where he graduated in 1970. Upon receiving his law degree, Zebrowski entered the private practice of law in Rockland County, New York. Along with Francis A. Nicolai (who now serves as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court and Administrative Judge for the 9th Judicial District)^[5], he founded the firm of Zebrowski & Nicolai, a general practice firm which reflected the needs of the community they served, including general litigation, matrimonial, trusts and estates, commercial, and real estate matters. Upon Justice Nicolai’s election to the bench, Zebrowski spent many years as a sole practitioner before forming Zebrowski & Zebrowski, PC with his son, Kenneth Paul in 2006. Beyond his law practice, Zebrowski served as an Adjunct Professor in Long Island University’s graduate program, as a member of the Rockland County Bar Association’s Grievance Committee, and as counsel to the Rockland County Public Administrator. In his community, he devoted countless hours to providing safe, positive activities for young people. He coached in many local sports programs, such as the New City Girls Softball League, the New City Rams Pop Warner Youth Football and the New City Little League. An active member of many volunteer organizations, Zebrowski served as Chairman of the Board and Acting President of Nyack Hospital and as a board member of the Association of Retarded Citizens, Volunteer Counseling Service, Venture, and Jawonio. He was also a proud member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and Rotary International. His is survived by Linda, his wife of 28 years, as well as his six children: Kristen, Kevin, Ken, Kristopher, Kraig, and Kathryn. A testament to their father’s love for the law, three of his children have graduated from law school, including Kenneth Paul (D-Rockland) who carries on his father’s legacy both as an attorney and as a Member of the New York State Assembly^[6]. Assemblyman Zebrowski died of complications from Hepatitis C. He underwent surgery for a benign brain tumor in the mid 1970s and contracted Hepatitis C from blood transfusions received during treatment. In early March 2008, atient advocates, legislators and clinicians joined State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., to support funding in the proposed 2008-09 New York State Executive Budget for a new comprehensive hepatitis C program and the creation of a Hepatitis C Advisory Council to help guide the initiative ^[7].

The budget provides an appropriation of $1.6 million to improve the health status of persons infected with hepatitis C and help prevent new infections. Zebrowski's family will move forward with plans for an annual event to memorialize the Assemblyman and raise money to continue funding Hepatitis C initiatives. The current Assemblyman, Zebrowski's son Kenneth Paul, commented, "This disease and those afflicted with it have been in the dark for too long. I am hopeful this advisory council and the $1.6 million in funding will lead to public awareness, scientific advancement and will help stall what is becoming an epidemic.^[8]"