WHITE PLAINS – Westchester County Government is saddened to announce the passing of former County Legislator Herman Keith. He died on June 22 after a long illness due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 20 at Community Baptist Church in his hometown of Yonkers.
Originally from Alabama, Keith served as a first lieutenant in the US Army.
After moving to Yonkers, he worked as an engineer for the Perkin Elmer Optical Company and later as an underwater research scientist for Columbia University.
He led his presidency of the Yonkers branch of the NAACP where he spearheaded the landmark desegregation lawsuit against the City of Yonkers. His efforts laid the groundwork for equal access to quality integrated education and fair housing opportunities for all.
In 1983, Keith was the first African American to serve on the County Board of Legislators where he served for 12 years.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Adams, and his five children.
