In addition to being Broker/Owner of Park Sterling Realty since May 2001, Caro served as President of the Westchester-Putnam Association of Realtors for two terms (2009-2010) and President of the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service in 2014-2015.
Willow at the Ridgeway, which is located at 23 Bishop W.J. Walls Place, is replacing two vacant public housing buildings.
In addition to being Broker/Owner of Park Sterling Realty since May 2001, Caro served as President of the Westchester-Putnam Association of Realtors for two terms (2009-2010) and President of the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service in 2014-2015.
The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors regrets to inform its membership of the passing of former Association President and tireless industry and consumer advocate Leah Caro at the age of 56.
Caro, the Broker/Owner of Park Sterling Realty of Bronxville, died on April 6 after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Doug and son Joe.
In addition to being Broker/Owner of Park Sterling Realty since May 2001, Caro served as President of the Westchester-Putnam Association of Realtors (predecessor to the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors) for two terms (2009-2010) and President of the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service (predecessor to OneKey MLS) in 2014-2015. Caro served as Co-Chair of HGAR’s Legislative Council for the past 12 years.
She is a former Chairperson and a current member of the Board of Managers of OneKey MLS. At the time of her passing, she served as Co-Chair of Westchester Residential Opportunities Inc. and was a member of WRO’s Board since 2011. Caro is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the New York State Association of Realtors, where she has served as President of its Housing Opportunities Foundation and Chair of its Professional Standards Committee. She was certified by New York State to teach real estate license law, agency disclosure, and ethics.
A graduate of the State University of New York at Purchase, Caro began her real estate career as an Administrative Sales and Office Manager for Bronxville-Ley Real Estate from Jan 1992 - Jan 2001, when she was appointed President of Park Sterling Realty. She was also a longtime Director with the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce.
Among her passions was advocacy and Caro was a staple of the association, leading delegations to advance real estate initiatives in Washington, DC and at the annual Lobby Day program in Albany. For years, she has been a leading and respected voice for WPAR and HGAR with Hudson Valley Congressional members, state legislators and municipal officials throughout the region. Throughout her time in real estate, Caro was a staunch supporter of the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC).
Among her many achievements, Caro was bestowed WPAR’s Realtor of the Year Award in 2011. She received HGAR’s first President’s Award in 2013 and in 2023 earned the “Alan Yassky Distinguished Service Award” from the New York State Association of Realtors. Caro served as a Board Director for NYSAR for seven years (2008-2015).
2023 HGAR President Tony D’Anzica described Caro’s positive impact on the industry when he told Real Estate In-Depth in reaction to her NYSAR award: “Leah Caro embodies the spirit of Realtor activism. It is a fundamental role of every Realtor Association to promote public policies and candidates who believe in building strong communities, protecting property rights, and creating a vibrant business climate. For decades, Leah Caro has staunchly advocated for Realtors at the local, state and national levels. As the President of HGAR, I am proud to say that Leah has been a role model and inspiration to me over the years that I have served with her, and I can think of no better person more deserving of the Alan Yassky Distinguished Service Award than Leah Caro.”
Her colleagues echoed D’Anzica’s comments, highlighting Caro’s positive spirit, her sense of humor and her resolve to improve the real estate industry and the promotion of affordable housing.
2025 HGAR President Vlora Sejdi said, “Leah Caro was a force of nature. Effortlessly cool, fiercely intelligent, and unapologetically herself. She didn’t follow trends—she set them. Every interaction with Leah left an impression. She had this magnetic mix of brilliance, grit, and wit that made you stop, listen, and think. ‘I want to be Leah when I grow up’ is something I’ve said quite often. Anyone would be lucky to be even a little bit as dynamic and authentic as she was. She never did anything for applause—she did it because it mattered. Because she mattered. Leah had purpose running through her veins, and she dedicated herself to this industry with everything she had. She didn’t just show up—she changed the room. And her impact? That’s not going anywhere.”
HGAR Chief Executive Officer Lynda Fernandez said of Caro, “Leah's passing leaves a huge void in the world. She was exceptionally passionate, brilliant, authentic, quick-witted, generous, and kind. Despite only knowing her for 19 months, she marked my life in a way very few people have. A few short months after I joined HGAR, she invited me on one of her famous hikes and even picked me up. I am eternally grateful for her warm welcome, support, and camaraderie. While she has left us far too soon, her life of impact will endure in everyone she selflessly touched and elevated. We should all strive to be like Leah, a shining example of professionalism, friendship, humility and humanity.”
OneKey MLS CEO Richard Haggerty said, “To say that Leah was a force of nature is an understatement. She had boundless energy and great curiosity. She loved nature and was an avid hiker. As a leader she led with her heart and her head, which is a rare and powerful combination. Legislative advocacy was her passion, and she excelled at it. Leah was at the epicenter of the early discussions that led to the formation of OneKey MLS and served as the first Chair of the Board of Managers after it launched. Her vision contributed greatly to the growth and success of OneKey MLS. Everyone knew her, and everyone loved her because she was so genuine. Her passing leaves one gigantic hole in the universe.”
2013 HGAR President Katheryn DeClerck said, “Leah had such a profound effect on everyone that knew her and even those that didn’t because she was such an incredible leader and industry advocate. I remember being at NYSAR meetings before we became friends in the early 2000s and hearing her speak. Her thoughts, ideas, professionalism and knowledge impressed me. I aspired to be the kind of leader she was. I could go on and on about all the many things she did for the industry, but none of it compares to her as a person and friend. I’m better because I knew her.”
JP Endres, Branch Manager, Scarsdale, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, said, “Leah's vibrancy impacted everyone she came across. She left a lasting impression.” The former NYSAR and WCBR President stated: “Her love of life and her dedication to everything she cared about was filled with passion. She was larger than life. She was one of the most brilliant women I have ever met. My heart will always miss her. No one can fill the shoes of Leah Caro. The world lost a wonderful person but gained an angel. They say it's not who remembers you when you are here but who doesn't forget you when you are gone. The world will never forget Leah Caro. She touched so many lives in the most positive ways. My heart is heavy and sad.”
Savo Fries, President of the Westchester County Board of Realtors (1998-1999), said of Caro: “Her overwhelming passion for everything in life was an inspiration to all that had the good fortune to know her.”
2022 HGAR President Anthony Domathoti said of his colleague: "Leah Caro's leadership was defined by her unwavering love for people, her zest for life, and her deep dedication to the Realtor community. She provided visionary leadership within the Realtor world, championing professional growth, ethics and unity. Her passion for legislative matters and advocacy was unmatched—she fought tirelessly to protect homeownership and advance our industry through policy and political engagement. Leah was instrumental in the growth and success of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, helping it thrive as one of the most respected associations in the state. Her legacy is one of mentorship, empowerment, and genuine care for those she served and inspired."
Alexander Roithmayr, Director of Government Affairs for HGAR, added: “Leah was a leader among her peers, a trusted friend to many, a respected political figure in Westchester, and an invaluable asset to every organization she joined. To those who knew her, she was steadfast, passionate and deeply inspiring. She was also a mentor to me, offering guidance, wisdom, and support. Her dedication to civics and politics was matched only by her love of travel and the natural world. It is hard to fathom how time continues to move forward after the world has lost such a powerful presence.”
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated with any further industry reaction and memorial service information.
Willow at the Ridgeway, which is located at 23 Bishop W.J. Walls Place, is replacing two vacant public housing buildings.
The report revealed that 24% of recent home buyers were purchasing for the first time, a significant drop from 32% last year.
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