Former Brooklyn District Attorney Eugene Gold dies at 100

October 1, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Eugene Gold, Former Brooklyn District Attorney (seen at left, holding an electronic bugging device), is remembered for his leadership and commitment to justice. Photo by Marty Lederhandler/AP

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Eugene Gold, who served as Brooklyn district attorney from 1968 to 1981, passed away at his home in Woodstock, N.Y., on Aug. 5. He was 100 years old.

Gold, a Brooklyn native and World War II veteran, rose to prominence as a trailblazing prosecutor known for his tough stance on crime and his advocacy for justice. Among his notable achievements as DA was the prosecution of Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz, personally overseeing the competency hearing that led to Berkowitz’s guilty plea and life sentence.

During his 13-year tenure as Brooklyn’s top prosecutor, Gold tripled the size of his office, supervising 300 attorneys who handled a range of high-profile murder and organized crime cases. He was also at the forefront of using innovative law enforcement techniques, such as the “Gold Bug,” a listening device that played a crucial role in disrupting organized crime activities.

His commitment to justice extended beyond prosecution. Gold took a stand against wrongful convictions, most notably in the infamous Wylie-Hoffert case, where he moved to dismiss the indictment and free George Whitmore Jr., whose wrongful conviction was later cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s Miranda decision.

In addition to his legal career, Gold was a vocal advocate for Soviet Jewry, playing a pivotal role in the campaign to secure the release of persecuted Jews from the Soviet Union. He was a key figure in building international support for the cause, working closely with U.S. Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson on legislation that eventually led to the Jackson-Vanek Amendment, a turning point in U.S.-Soviet relations.

Gold was a trusted advisor to several U.S. presidents, including Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan, on Jewish affairs and was frequently called upon for his expertise.

After stepping down as DA, Gold and his wife, Rosaine “Ronnie” Gold, made Aliyah and lived in Israel for over a decade before returning to the U.S. in 1995. The couple, married for 77 years, were each other’s steadfast companions until Ronnie’s death in 2023.

Gold is survived by his children, Caralee, Michael, and Wendy, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Aug. 7 at Woodstock Cemetery.