Victor Dizengoff
Victor Dizengoff, a trailblazer in the New York black car industry for decades, passed away peacefully on March 13. He was 86.
As a young man, he honorably served in the United States Army for three years as a Korean War veteran, and later went on to earn a master’s in economics from Brooklyn College, which laid the foundation for his career.
After earning his stripes as a taxi driver, his visionary mindset led him to entrepreneurship as the founder of Vital Two-Way Radio, a notable black car service in New York now known as Vital Transportation with a fleet of 300 vehicles.
Victor’s impact on the industry is still felt today. His leadership in the Black Car Assistance Corporation (BCAC) for 34 years was instrumental in bringing the industry together as an advocate for drivers' rights. BCAC was founded in 1991 to help unify the industry in supporting legislation that retained independent contractor status, a model that overwhelmingly dominated the black car industry. Among the organization’s monumental achievements was the groundbreaking establishment of the Black Car Fund, created by the state of New York for drivers associated with bases in NYC to provide workers’ compensation insurance—with more benefits added each year such as driver training. Victor served as the executive director of the Black Car Fund for 12 years and is now managed by Ira Goldstein. He was a longtime member and indefatigable advocate for the industry through the Taxi, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA)—now called The Transportation Alliance—of which he served as president in 2009.
He is also remembered as the publisher and editor of Black Car News, a vital publication dedicated to keeping NYC’s for-hire industry well informed. The publication, which he took over in 1991, has been managed by Neil Weiss since 2005.
Victor found joy in his hobbies, which included following New York sports teams, traveling, and savoring the melodies of jazz and big band music. His greatest pleasure, however, was his beloved family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy, and his many children and grandchildren.
He was laid to rest on March 17 at the New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, N.Y. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations be made to United Jewish Appeal (UJA) in Victor’s memory.
Chauffeur Driven extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Victor. Look for a tribute to Victor in the April issue of Chauffeur Driven.
[03.19.24]