NYCLU Statement on the Death of Ronald J. Tabak 

Ronald Tabak died on July 22 at the age of 75. He was an esteemed longtime officer of the NYCLU board. He was a tireless defender of civil rights and liberties. He was a fierce opponent of the death penalty, and an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. He led the pro bono program at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates for decades, including the Skadden Public Interest Fellowship Program. He also sat on the boards of numerous legal and social justice organizations including the New York City Bar Association’s Capital Punishment Committee, the Death Penalty Information Center, New York Lawyers Against the Death Penalty, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF.  

The following statement is attributable to NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman:  

“Ron was an ardent civil libertarian and a vital member of the NYCLU community for decades. His passion for civil rights and civil liberties was matched only by his love for the Mets, Yankees, and Broadway.  

“In my family, the greatest compliment one can give is to call someone a ‘mensch’. Ron was brilliant and passionate about human rights and justice — but he was also a truly good guy, with a huge heart and courage to match. He was a real mensch. 

“Of all the work he has done, Ron was perhaps most proud of his lifelong fight to end the death penalty. He was a major thinker and leader in the movement to end capital punishment — in New York and nationwide. Ron leaves his indelible mark on the NYCLU and the broader movement for social justice. He was beloved in our community, and we will miss him.”