Herbert M. Singer
Herbert M. Singer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1907 Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | October 6, 1996 (aged 88–89) Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, benefactor |
| Years active | 1928–1996 |
| Known for | Chairman of the executive committee at PepsiCo; leadership roles at American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Beth Israel Medical Center |
Herbert M. Singer (1907 – October 6, 1996) was a distinguished American attorney and benefactor, who held the position of chairman of the executive committee at PepsiCo and played leadership roles in prominent organizations such as the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Beth Israel Medical Center.
Early life and education
Singer was born in 1907 in Far Rockaway, Queens. His father, Saul Singer, transitioned from garment manufacturing to real estate and banking, eventually becoming vice president of the Bank of United States, which ranked as New York City's fourth largest bank at the time. Saul Singer faced a fraud conviction following high-risk investments that sparked a bank run in 1930, contributing to the banking failures during the Great Depression. Subsequently, he relocated to Texas and founded an oil refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas, later selling it to Citgo amid World War II.
Herbert completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia College in 1926 and earned his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1928. Early in his career, he joined the law firm of Isidor J. Kresel, who was both counsel and director of the Bank of United States. After the bank's failure, Herbert was indicted alongside his father; however, the New York Court of Appeals ultimately reversed his conviction.
Career
Singer formed a legal partnership with fellow Columbia alumnus Francis Levien. He gained recognition for defending PepsiCo in a pivotal 1938 lawsuit concerning the Loft Candy Company, which led to his appointment on PepsiCo’s board from 1941 until 1953. In 1950, he ascended to the role of chairman of PepsiCo’s executive committee.
In 1982, he established the Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation to provide support for healthcare and other institutions in New York and Connecticut, where he also maintained a residence. His leadership extended to serving as president of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City—a position once held by his father—and chairing the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Additionally, he was the founding president of New York's Jewish Communal Fund, a trustee for the United Hospital Fund of New York, and a director for the 14th Street-Union Square Local Development Corporation (now known as Union Square Partnership).
Singer played an instrumental role in fostering collaboration between Beth Israel and Rockefeller University, participating on the university council and aiding their joint initiatives.
Personal life
In 1945, Singer married Brooklyn philanthropist Nell Hess, who is honored by the Nell Singer Lilac Walk in Central Park. He passed away at age 89 on October 6, 1996, at his residence in Manhattan. His survivors included his wife, children, and siblings—among them his brother Edwin Singer, a Texas-based philanthropist and board member of The International Herald Tribune who contributed to founding the Art Museum of South Texas.