In memory of Elliott Hendler - The CPA Journal

This is due to Elliott Hendler’s extraordinary dedication to NYCPA and his decades of service to NYCPA. CPA JournalOrme Hayes, a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of which she remained active until her death, invited colleagues and friends to pay their respects. These tributes celebrate Elliott’s lasting impact on our profession and community.

Read the official NYCPA announcement here: https://tinyurl.com/3rxwbfxa.

The CPA community lost a true gem on October 9, 2025. Elliott Hendler was a consummate professional, a generous spirit, and a beloved figure in the NYCCPA community. above CPA JournalOn the Editorial Advisory Board, I witnessed firsthand his dedication, clarity, and gentleness in every discussion.

Elliott’s warmth and insight touched everyone’s hearts. His decades of service reflected a deep dedication, so much so that, as his son said at his funeral, he saved every issue of the magazine. CPA Journal 60 years.

The last time I saw Elliott was two months ago at the NYCCPA Excellence in Financial Journalism Awards Luncheon. At 90 years old, he was fully committed to telling stories, taking photos, and reuniting with friends. That fun afternoon is a precious memory for me. Rest in peace, Elliot.

—Olme Hayes

Elliott was truly loved by all who knew him and was a humble yet extraordinary person. Even at the age of 90, his dedication to the Society was unparalleled. A few days before he passed away, we were discussing the association’s professional ethics committee, which he chaired. All of us are truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the Society alongside Elliott, to know him, and to call him a friend and colleague. Elliot will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Elliot’s wife Libby, his entire family, and his dear friends.

—Kevin Matz

It is difficult to express in words the impact of someone as passionate and selfless as Elliott. He gave so much of himself, his time, his wisdom, his heart to this profession and to all who were fortunate to know him. His enthusiasm was contagious, his guidance was invaluable, and his kindness was unwavering. Elliott inspired us not only with his words, but with the way he lived his life with purpose, generosity, and integrity. His legacy continues to shine through all those he mentored and inspired.

—Barbara Marino

I met Elliott Hendler 13 years ago at a board meeting of the New York CPA Manhattan/Bronx Chapter. Elliott inspired everyone to be better. With Elliott, there were no shortcuts. He was like an encyclopedia of knowledge, memorized every fact and figure and was always right. I could always rely on him for sound advice. He reached out to comfort me when I was feeling down. Elliot was a dear friend and will be missed by me. We pray that God will bless and protect him with infinite mercy. May the Almighty God lovingly embrace him, welcome him into the bonds of eternal life, and grant him everlasting peace and rest.

—J. Michael Kirkland

Elliot, you didn’t miss a step. You have also been a true champion of your cause and the cause of all of us. I bless you and thank you. You and the fax machine will be away.

—Elisa Dauerman

Elliot was the epitome of an old school with a new smile. Although his discipline was strict, he was able to see beyond the weeds and embrace the differences of others to create something greater than the sum of its parts. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude for the kindness he shared with all of us.

—David Lifson

It was a true privilege to work with Elliott Hendler on various committees over the years. In addition to his technical talent, he was a mentor, a collaborator, and a strong advocate of reason. Those qualities strengthened every committee and made every decision more thoughtful.

Not only have we lost a colleague, we have lost a wise man whose contributions will continue to resonate throughout our profession. He will be greatly missed, but his influence will continue to shape our work and inspire us.

—Tracy Niemocko

Elliott, I honor your memory by continuing the values you exemplified: integrity, kindness, and genuine concern for others. Your presence and smile always brightened up the room. Your legacy at NYCPA lives on in our work, the countless lives you touched, and the stories we continue to tell about you. forever in my heart.

—Debbie Cutler

Elliott was a person I greatly admired, a dedicated CPA who exemplified a lifelong curiosity and commitment to his profession. He embraced new ideas and evolving standards while remaining grounded in unquestioned ethics and public service. His leadership as chair of the NYCPA Professional Ethics Committee reflected not only his technical expertise but also his unwavering moral compass. Elliott’s energy seemed boundless. Honestly, I never imagined NYCPA without Elliott. His memory is truly a blessing. My heart goes out to his family. They should know that Elliott has made a lasting and boundless contribution to this profession and the public interest.

—Andy Mintzer

I developed a friendship with Elliott during my term as a member of the Buffalo Division. His comments were always thoughtful and he was a master of proofreading. He took the time to introduce himself and made me feel welcome.

His high ethical standards and love for his profession remained strong, as did his volunteer spirit and desire to remain active. As he joked in his last email the day before he died, “Probably too active.”

I was so grateful that I was able to take the time to check in with him and not have to wait. I miss our conversations and his sense of humor. Thinking of you, Elliot, and smiling. Please rest in peace.

—Pat Johnson

From his wife, Carrie: “I had the great pleasure of working alongside Elliott for many years as administrator of the Accountants’ Club. Elliott was passionate, rigorous, and very dedicated to the club. He was a humble and kind gentleman. He will be greatly missed.”

He was equally passionate about the association. Active duty until the end. May his memory be a blessing.

—Louis E. Feinstein

We have been together for over 30 years. We shared a love of accounting, ethical research, and New York City’s annual Wine Week. Some people say they should live forever because it’s too painful to think about life without them. I will miss your brilliance, your leadership, your sense of humor, and most of all your friendship. You keep your mind active and I smile when I think how busy you are with the grammatical editing of religious scriptures. The last time we spoke was just a week before you passed away. We said “I love you” and ended the call. I cherish those memories in my heart. Dear friend, I love you. See you on the other side.

—Lenny Lampra

I am sorry to hear of Elliott Hendler’s passing. I worked at Elliott for the first four years (1982) of my career as an accountant. Elliott was a leader. I still use the skills Elliott taught me. Funny thing is, when I use these skills, I think of him. rest in peace. I won’t forget you.

—Stephen A. Cohen

I met Elliott and his beautiful wife Libby nearly 30 years ago at the Society’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. We clicked right away. About a year later, I was asked to serve on the association’s nominating committee. When I arrived in New York, Elliott pulled me aside and asked me to immediately resign from the association’s board so that he could nominate me to the association’s board of directors. I wrote and signed my resignation on the piece of paper he had prepared for me, then turned and went home. I completely credit him with getting me involved in a higher level association and I told him that just a month before he passed away. I miss him so much because he was a class actor. Rest in peace, dear friend.

—Rosemary Giovinazzo Barnnickel

We mourn the passing of an outstanding professional, Elliott Hendler. He was even more special. He was a mentor to countless people, generously sharing his knowledge and guiding others with patience and wisdom. His influence will continue to shape the lives and careers of those lucky enough to know him. We honor his memory with gratitude and respect and hope to always carry on the values he embodied.

—Charles Abraham