Mitch Rothberg, of West Babylon, active in local politics

Longtime Lindenhurst Village resident and Town of Babylon politician Mitchell “Mitch” B. Rothberg died Jan. 10, 2010 in West Babylon. He was 93.

A consummate politician, he made sure to ask and thank residents for their votes and sometimes even drove them to the polls, according to his family.

“The fact that he was a Republican working with all Democrats shows how much he was liked,” said his son, Len. “He was a great guy...no one had a bad word to say about him.”

Mr.Rothberg was a Republican committeeman and former Trustee of the Village of Lindenhurst. He served as the director of Finance for the Town of Babylon for many years and retired as Comptroller for the Town. He was a founding member of the Lindenhurst Kiwanis Club, was active in that organization for 60 years and lived on South Second Street in Lindenhurst for 45 years before moving to Curcio Court in West Babylon in 2005.

He was born in Bayonne, New Jersey to Samuel and Lena Liebowitz and was raised there. He moved to Brooklyn when he was in high school. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in India. After graduating from St. John’s University, he founded and ran Allied Abstract Title Co. in Lindenhurst, before delving into politics.

After retirement, he traveled the world with his wife. He was a rock collector and golfer who loved to be with his family.

In addition to his son Len and his wife Kathy of Sayville, Mr. Rothberg leaves behind his daughter, Ellen of West Hartford, Connecticut and his grandchildren and step grandchildren: Josh and Carolyn Rothberg, Anthony Lopez, Dionne Lutz and Mercedes and Karla Bohaty. His sisters-in-law, Nancy Saltzman and Sylvia Rothberg, and nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Thelma (Futter), his parents and his siblings, Sidney Rothberg and Jessica Barr.

Memorial Services were held at I.J. Morris, Dix Hills on Jan. 16, 2010 followed by interment at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, Lindenhurst.

Donations in Mr. Rothberg’s name can be sent to United Jewish Appeal, 6900 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, New York 11791 or to the Lindenhurst Kiwanis Scholarship Fund.