Charles J. Hynes, Brooklyn D.A. in a Tumultuous Era, Dies at 83 - The New York Times

Joe Hynes, as everyone knew him, was the last of the Brooklyn Irish era in City politics.  As Kings County District Attorney he was long a daily Mass guy.  His sense of justice led Mario Cuomo to pick him as special prosecutor in the racist mob killing of Michael Griffith known as the Howard Beach case.  He wanted to be New York State Attorney General but that didn't pan out.
He was a dedicated teacher, recruiting young Assistant district Attorneys straight out of his classes at St. John's, Brooklyn, and Fordham law schools.
He stopped for a cup of coffee and a chat with students or a friend just before class.  My office was for several years just off the cafeteria so I often had a chance to chat.  His sins were venial, but his body was mortal. I liked and admired him. - gwc
Charles J. Hynes, Brooklyn D.A. in a Tumultuous Era, Dies at 83 - The New York Times: Mr. Hynes took the office after prosecuting the Howard Beach case and won convictions against corrupt officials, but controversy dogged his final years on the job.