From The Boston Globe · · 2m
David Greenberg's $6.6m bequest to DSA
Professor's retirement fund could become DSA's largest donation after legal battle over his estate.
In brief
Professor's retirement fund could become DSA's largest donation after legal battle over his estate. David Greenberg's $6.6 million retirement fund will transfer to the Democratic Socialists of America after a year-long legal dispute. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Quick answers
- Who should get the fund?
- The fund's beneficiaries were unclear as Greenberg left no will and had no children.
- What is the key takeaway from David Greenberg's $6.6m bequest to DSA?
- David Greenberg's $6.6 million retirement fund will transfer to the Democratic Socialists of America after a year-long legal dispute.
David Greenberg's modest legacy
David Greenberg, a professor at NYU's sociology department, lived modestly in a rent-controlled West Village apartment.
Greenberg's academic career
He earned a doctorate in physics before joining NYU in 1973, working there for half a century.
Greenberg's retirement fund
By his death in 2024, his retirement fund was worth more than $6.6 million.
Who should get the fund?
The fund's beneficiaries were unclear as Greenberg left no will and had no children.
Backup beneficiary: NAM
Greenberg designated an obscure 1970s socialist group called the New American Movement as his backup beneficiary.
NAM merged with DSA
In 1982, NAM merged with another group to form the Democratic Socialists of America, which now exists.
DSA's financial situation
DSA's membership has more than doubled to about 126,000 in the past two years, with net assets of $4.7 million.
DSA's stance on the funds
Ashik Siddique, a DSA national co-chair, said the group would accept the funds without contradiction.
Family lawsuit
Martin Hecht, a nephew, filed suit claiming Greenberg intended his money for his family, not DSA.
Family's perspective
Hecht stated that Greenberg prioritized family, working on their lineage even in his final months.
Legal battle duration
The dispute lasted nearly a year and a half in Manhattan federal court.
DSA's legal argument
DSA's lawyers argued the merger of NAM and another group was seamless and intentional.
Greenberg's membership in DSA
Greenberg was a member of DSA since at least 1993, paying dues 29 times over 30 years.
Court ruling
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled DSA the legal successor to NAM and entitled to the funds.
Settlement agreement
The parties reached an agreement to transfer the $6.6 million to DSA after the appeal.
At a glance
David Greenberg's $6.6 million retirement fund will transfer to the Democratic Socialists of America after a year-long legal dispute.
