Robert Morgenthau, Former DA, Dutchess Farmer Dies At 99

EAST FISHKILL, NY — Robert Morgenthau, who was Manhattan District Attorney for 34 years and was a life-long farmer in Dutchess County, died Sunday at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. He was just days short of his 100th birthday.

Morgenthau, who inspired the character of the district attorney on the "Law and Order" television show and prosecuted mobsters, rapists, murderers, large corporations and more, was the longest serving district attorney in New York. He announced his "early" retirement in 2009, saying that he would not seek a 10th term.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all state government building be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, July 24 until Morgenthau is interred to honor him.

Cuomo called the late district attorney a true New York hero "whose dedication to public service and the law was matched only by the impact he had on the young prosecutors and lawyers like me who worked for him."

He said Morgenthau was the gold standard of prosecutors and a model public servant.

"He did his work with humility and integrity and created the prestige of the DA's office," Cuomo said, "and New York is a better place because of him."

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro called Morgenthau one of New York and Dutchess County's most distinguished residents for nearly a century.

"His life and story are filled with historic moments — beside world leaders, prosecuting notorious figures and even in pop culture," he said.

"Morgenthau's legacy continues in many ways, especially in Dutchess. It will live on, not the least of which, in family moments, memories made and apples picked at Fishkill Farms, thanks to his son Josh's commitment to his family, their land, our agriculture industry and his shared legacy," Molinaro said.

While Morgenthau grew up in New York City, he spend weekends and summers at Fishkill Farms, which the family bought in 1913, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported.

It was then and still is a working farm.

A post on the Fiskhill Farms Facebook page said, "We are so lucky to have had such an extraordinary and inspiring person in our lives and take comfort in knowing the farm brought him so much joy, and that his vision for our growth and diversification will be continued with his light in our hearts.

With additional reporting by Colin Miner/Patch Staff.

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