Isaac Kwock, beloved son, brother, partner, dear friend to many and a tireless advocate on behalf of young people and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) communities across the country, passed on March 15th, 2011, in New York City, the city he called home. He was 35 years old. Isaac was surrounded by friends and family throughout his struggle with cancer.

Isaac devoted his adult life to community organizations serving LGBTQ youth and other vulnerable communities. He was a compassionate educator who was quick to smile, always listened first, and spoke later. Isaac’s blend of tenacity and sweetness made him a singularly effective advocate.

At the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Isaac was responsible for the expansion and implementation of after-school services that served LGBTQ youth in New York. His humor and commitment infused the programs and touched the lives of thousands of young people.

Isaac’s career with University Settlement and The Door spanned eleven years in three very different positions. Project Home had him supporting youth and families confronting extremely difficult life situations; the Houston Street Community asked him to manage an emerging set of youth, family and senior programs; and The Door presented the difficult and complicated challenge of integrating several programs targeted to the most vulnerable youth. As Isaac’s experience and expertise expanded, the pressures on his time increased at a rapid pace. Whatever the position, whatever the pressure or responsibility, Isaac prevailed. Always optimistic, tenacious, disciplined, organized and loving, Isaac worked effectively with everyone in every circumstance. He will be recognized and remembered not just for his professional skills and achievements, but because he was loved and respected in equal measure while making the Settlement and Door stronger organizations.

Generous with his time outside of work, Isaac also served on the Board of the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, spent countless weekends with LGBT seniors from the SAGE program, and volunteered with the Audre Lorde Project. He also shared his love of music and dance as a DJ and founder of Restless Produxns, a collective dedicated to creating safe and vibrant spaces for LGBTQ people of color.

Born in San Francisco, California, Isaac grew up in the Sunset neighborhood and attended Lowell high school. He received his B.A. from Tufts University, in Somerville, MA and earned an M.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, in Cambridge, MA.

Isaac is survived by his devoted partner Martha Benitez, his parents, Susan and John, his brother Darin, and his feline companions Mango and Rainey.  

Memorial services will take place in New York on Friday, March 18 at 1pm at University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street, New York, and in the Bay Area on Sunday, March 27th, at 10am at the Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma.

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