# David Greenberg's $6.6m bequest to DSA

> Professor's retirement fund could become DSA's largest donation after legal battle over his estate.
- Title: David Greenberg's $6.6m bequest to DSA · The Boston Globe
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: david greenberg, democratic socialists of america, dsa, retirement fund, legal dispute, nyu sociology department, naming, news, local, David, Greenberg's, bequest
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/09/nation/he-left-behind-millions-who-would-get-it-family-dsa
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: david greenberg, democratic socialists of america, dsa, retirement fund, legal dispute, nyu sociology department, naming, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

David Greenberg's $6.6 million retirement fund will transfer to the Democratic Socialists of America after a year-long legal dispute.