Jerry Schmetterer
Jerry Schmetterer, ex-Daily Newser and former Brooklyn DA’s spokesman, dies at 77
By LARRY MCSHANE
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS |
MAY 25, 2021 AT 12:07 PM
Former Daily News veteran Jerry Schmetterer, the author of several books and long-time spokesman for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, died Monday after a battle with cancer, his family said. He was 77.
The Bronx-born Schmetterer worked for 23 years as a reporter, bureau chief and metropolitan editor for The News, reporting on major stories including the French Connection case, the Son of Sam murders, the assassination of John Lennon by a deranged fan and the 1993 terror attack on the World Trade Center.
He also spent a dozen years as director of public information at the Brooklyn DA’s office, working under prosecutor Charles J. Hynes from 2001-2013. He passed away at his Manhattan home with wife Emily and son David at his side.
Schmetterer’s books included “The Coffey Files: One Cop’s War Against the Mob,” a collaboration with legendary NYPD Detective Joe Coffey, and “Crooked Brooklyn: Taking Down Corrupt Judges, Dirty Politicians, Killers and Body Snatchers,” with borough prosecutor Michael Vecchione.
He was also a past president and longtime member of the New York Press Club.
“Jerry was a journalist, author and former spokesman for the Brooklyn DA’s office,” the press club said via Twitter. “He was a good man who knew how to tell a good story. Our condolences to Jerry’s family.”
During his long career, Schmetterer also worked at a managing editor at CNN and WPIX-TV, served briefly as city editor at the New York Post and worked as managing editor for the television show Extra. The Army veteran and graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School started with The News as a copy boy.
“He was a great friend,” said veteran New York public relations guru Morty Matz. “And a great journalist. And a great loss to his family and friends. He will be missed.”
The family said Schmetterer, a die-hard Mets fan, was cremated wearing a jacket and T-shirt from his favorite team. Plans for an upcoming memorial service were in the works, the family said.
He was survived by spouse Emily; his younger brother Bernie; son David, wife Nina and grandsons Isaac and Austen; and stepson Charles Alaimo, wife Christel and grandson Carston.
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IN MEMORY Nestor Benjamin Zapata Passed Jan 15, 2026 Born June 28,1932 Resided Nyc, NY Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on Jan 15, 2026 at age 93. Nestor was born to Nestor Zapata Sandoval and Anita Vinck on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. As a Child, He excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington H.S. IN Washington Heights, NYC. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an excellent ice skater that few PR's can do. Nestor met his 1st wife, Connie at a church dance. They married two years later and went on to have four children, Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many Grandchildren as well Great-Grandchildren He later met his current wife, Grace and married Nov 5, 1999. They loved going to meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety. As well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway. Seeing Hamilton twice! They acquired an incredible taste for NYC Cuisine. In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, also staying active in AA & holding various roles at the church. He also will be remembered for umpiring little league on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which He shared with those who surrounded him.
Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”