Harry Wieder was not your average man by any stretch of the imagination. Despite being disabled, partially deaf and a dwarf, he was also an outspoken activist for many issues in his community.  Weider spent most of his days campaigning for safe public housing, gay rights, health care, and access for the disabled. <p>

Every year as his hearing would fail more and more, at meetings he would ask of people with opposing views "Again! Again please!", until the person would have to raise their voice.  Anne Emmerman, a former city official, said  "Harry was a small person but he was a very big personality. He had a big voice and a very colorful character."

Sadly, on the evening of April 26, 2010 after attending one of many meetings at community board 3 in the East Village of New York City, Mr. Wieder was struck down by a taxi while crossing the street walking to his car.  "He had a big impact on his community," said Susan Stetzer, district manager for Community Board 3. "That’s why his loss will be really felt by people, because he was so intensely engaged with the community."  Born the only child of Holocaust survivors, Mr.Wieder never felt sorry for himself or considered his situation a hardship. He got around New York City driving his beat up Buick Regal with hand controls, and needed the assistance of crutches to walk.<p>

Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker said at the eulogy “You weren’t done talking to Harry until he was done talking to you. Harry went out of his way to be devilish, and as we continue to struggle in his name, we need to maybe be a little more devilish ourselves.”<p>

Wieder was rushed to Bellevue Hospital after the accident where he was pronounced dead.