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GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Former Greenburgh recreation leader, William "Bill" Lederer died Dec. 23 at his home in Winter Haven, Fla. He was 94.
Lederer was a former member of the Greenburgh Environmental Quality Control Commission and the advisory committee for Greenburgh Headstart program.
He was born Feb. 14, 1917 in New York City to Maurice Lederer and Mina Finkelstein. Educated at Dewiit Clinton High School, he received a bachelor's degree in health and physical education and recreation from New York University, a master's degree in recreation administration from Columbia University and a professional diploma in recreation administration.
Lederer worked for the superintendent of recreation in Greenburgh and served as director of recreation for the Purchase Community House. He also worked as a professor at Lehman College and consultant for the Westchester County Parks and Recreation department. In 1971, he served as president of the New York State Recreation and Park Society.
On Jul. 26, 1943, Lederer married his wife Ruth. During World War II, he served in the Philippines. He enjoyed gardening and fishing at Barnes Lake in Harriman State Park.
Lederer was passionate about recreation activities aimed at seniors. He was a coordinator of Westchester County Senior Games and the director of the Live All Your Life senior programs in Westchester. He created an outdoor camp for senior and advocated the use of senior centers.
While living in Florida for the last 19 years, he organized a "solo" club that would allow seniors to explore the area together, create newsletters about better living and read news and feature to the blind and disabled in his community.
He is survived by his sons Richard W. Lederer and his wife Mary Howard of Arlington, Vt. and Bruce D. Lederer and his wife Sandy Machson of Cambridge, Mass., give grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth.
Services will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth M. Lederer Fellowship, Westchester Recreation and Parks Society, P.O. Box 156, Valhalla, NY 10595.
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