Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2005

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce extends condolences to the Carswell and the Levin families in the recent loss of their loved ones.

Donald Carswell, a retired NBC executive and life-long Brooklynite, died March 25 of leukemia, he was 75.

In addition to his distinguished career at NBC, he helped found Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT), served as chairman of the Brooklyn Hospital Foundation and Poly Prep Lower School, as a trustee and vice chairman of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Mr. Carswell is survived by his wife, Lois, their children, Anne, Alex and Bob, and grandchildren Phillip Tang, Julia Tang, Tom Carswell and James Donald Carswell.  A brother, Robert, also survives.

A memorial ceremony will be held at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, on May 8 at 11 a.m.

The family suggests that contributions in his memory my be made to Poly Prep Country Day School, 674 92nd St., Brooklyn 11228; Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, 11201; or Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, 11225.

Wilbur A. Levin, County Clerk and Clerk of the Supreme Court and Commissioner of Jurors, Kings County, died April 12 of cancer, he was 84.

Mr. Levin was also former President, CEO and Chairman of Independence Savings Bank, and President of Martin's Department Store. He was a long-time board member of many institutions, including Brooklyn Law School, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Hospital Center, Prospect Park Alliance and the New York Organ Donor Network.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, their four children: John Levin (Louisa Swift), Peter (Anna) Levin, Emme (Jonathan) Deland, and Kate Levin (and Mark di Suvero); seven grandchildren: Dylan, Mariah, Rawle, Will, Ned, Kate and Veri; and his sister Jean Brenner.

A memorial service was held on Fri., April 15, at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The family suggests that contributions in his memory may be made to the charities that he supported.