Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on the Passing of Stan Brooks

December 23, 2013

Video of Mayor Bloomberg dedicating the radio room at City Hall in honor of Stan Brooks is available here

“Today, New York City today lost an honorable man, a legendary reporter and a trusted voice.

“Everyone who knew Stan can tell you an amazing story about him. Here is one of mine: A couple years back, Stan had a heart procedure and was in the hospital. I wanted to call him, so I asked my Press Secretary at the time, Stu Loeser, to connect us. Before trying the hospital, Stu called Stan's cell phone, assuming his wife Lynn, or one of the sons would pick up. It seemed like the quickest way to get through to the family.

“Stu called, and a voice answered: ‘Hello, Stan Brooks, 1010 WINS.’ From his hospital bed shortly after a heart procedure, he answered the phone like he was getting a call on a story.

“Stu was standing next to my desk in the bullpen, and I noticed he looked surprised. He then handed me the phone. As I took it I asked him which family member it was – but didn’t get an answer. And then I heard Stan’s voice on the other end.

“That was Stan Brooks – nothing ever stopped him from doing the job he loved, a job he did with class and integrity for 50 years. New Yorkers were lucky to have him on the dial.

“Last week at an event for past and present City Hall reporters, we honored Stan by naming the radio room at City Hall in his honor, and his family joined us at Gracie Mansion to accept on his behalf. To say you could see the love and respect they felt for Stan would be an understatement – and it was a feeling shared by everyone in the room. The Stan Brooks Radio Room will stand as fitting tribute to a journalist who truly did it the right away.

“Stan was loved by his colleagues and friends inside and outside the business. And maybe the most telling measure about him: he was even liked and respected by his most cranky listeners – the many mayors he covered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stan’s family, and may he rest in peace.”

Contact: Marc La Vorgna / Evelyn Erskine (212) 788-2958