In Tribute to Corneilus J. (Neil) Lynch

CORNEILUS J. (NEIL) LYNCH 1926 - 2008

As many of you may by now have heard Neil Lynch, a 32year Port Authority veteran passed away on Sunday July 6th, at the age of 81. Neil, a graduate of Fordham College and Fordham University Law School, joined the Port Authority in 1953 as a property representative in the Aviation Department. In 1960 when the Port Authority was asked to take on the development of the transportation section of the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, Neil was appointed chief of its rentals division. As the fair began operations in 1964 the PA Board authorized the development of the World Trade Center a major long term commitment Neil was named Assistant Chief of the Rental Division in 1973. Working with a staff of rental representatives selected primarily from PA staff, the rental effort was enormously challenging, but ultimately immensely successful.

In recognition of Neil’s work, in 1979 its Director Guy Tozzoli appointed him Deputy Director of the World Trade Center Department. In view of Neil’s outstanding performance in the World Trade Center Department the Board of Commissioners awarded him the Distinguished Services Medal.

Neil retired from PA services in 1987. He became a valued member of the PARA Board on which he served until June of this year. His long distinguished service to PARA was of a piece with his service to the PA. Neil’s ideas were always insightful and reflected his good judgment and often a wonderful sense of humor. In whatever context his name came up it was always greeted with affection and respect. His presence will very much be missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.


Tom Donovan
Board Member