Zelenko, Herbert, 1906-1979

Herbert Zelenko (March 16, 1906 – February 23, 1979) was an American lawyer, academic, and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the U.S. Representative from New York's 21st congressional district from 1955 to 1963.

Born in New York City, he attended public schools there before earning undergraduate and law degrees from Columbia University. Zelenko was admitted to the bar in 1929 and commenced the practice of law in New York City. He was a lecturer for the Practicing Law Institute and Law Science Institute and an assistant United States attorney for the southern district of New York. He unsuccessfully ran for the New York State Assembly as a Republican in 1931.

Zelenko was elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-fourth and to the three succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1955 – January 3, 1963). Redistricted to the 20th congressional district ahead of the 1962 election, he was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1962 to the Eighty-eighth Congress. After his unsuccessful election, Zelenko resumed the practice of law. He died in New York City and was buried at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla, New York.