Harry Ansorge

Harry Ansorge died of kidney failure at home on June 13, 2020 at age 91, surrounded by his loving family. Harry was born in New York City, grew up on the Upper West Side, and was a long-time resident of the Upper East Side. He was known for his quick wit, keen intelligence, interest in politics, and commitment to civil rights, social justice, and the equal and ethical treatment of all people. He loved and was devoted to his large family. He was a “hi-fi” hobbyist for most of his life; he loved classical and folk music, abstract art, traveling the world and chocolate. He was passionate in his love for NYC. Harry greatly admired Morris Dees, Martin Luther King, Jr and John F. Kennedy. He was a great fan of Rachel Maddow.

Despite losing his beloved father at age 11, Harry persevered, graduated from Cornell University Law School and had a successful career in law, including work in two law firms, at the New York State Commission for Human Rights and as in-house trademark counsel for Bristol-Meyers Squibb where he helped bring to market several important new drugs.

Inspired by the legacy of his uncle, Congressman Martin C. Ansorge, who in 1921 sponsored the first anti-lynching bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, Harry became a leader in the school integration movement in New York City in the mid-1960s. His most significant contribution in this arena was founding a city-wide organization called EQUAL to promote integration--work which was written about in the books “110 Livingston Street” and “Black Corona”.

After a 35-year career in law and at age 63, Harry pursued a lifelong dream and received from Yeshiva University a master’s in social work, after which he worked with disadvantaged patients.

Harry’s beloved first wife, Eleanor (Waldman) Ansorge predeceased him in 1971. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Jane Lederer Ansorge, who loved him with great passion, and his adoring children and their spouses: Laurie Ansorge Ball (Raymond), Susan Ansorge Zambarano (Bob), Mark Ansorge (Deborah), and James Ansorge (Kristen). Harry was proud that all his children followed in his footsteps in one way or another through their careers in law, politics, or mental health. He was greatly loved by his seven wonderful grandchildren, who called him “Grandpop”: Ethan; Eleanor; Paulo; Julian; Emily; Miranda; and Oliver.

The Ansorge family wishes to thank Sharon Gordon for her devoted care during the last nine months of Harry’s life. Private graveside services will be held Monday, June 15th. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in his memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center.