Architect Gerald Abramovitz, 82, Dies Two Weeks After Being Beaten And Robbed

The story of architect Gerald Abramovitz, came to an end yesterday when he died in New York at Mount Sinai Hospital. His cantilever desk lamp is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Abramovitz was visiting his friend on the Upper West Side on the evening of May 25 when he was attacked from behind. While Mr. Abromovitz was waiting for his friend, Gene Koretz, to let him in, the mugger approached and struck him on the back of the head, took his wallet and ran.

Abramovitz was taken to the hospital and released two days later but became dizzy and weak in a couple of days. He returned to the hospital where a CT scan found bleeding in his brain. Two days later, he slipped into a coma and died. The mugger is still at large, though police are offering a reward for information.

Koretz, a retired journalist, said of his friend, "He was a very dynamic, creative, charming person, "he had the exuberance of an 18-year-old, and he was still designing."

"Everybody's apprehensive now," said Koretz. "There's a predator out there. He took away a good friend. We're going to miss him terribly."

Police ask anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers hottline: (800) 577-TIPS.