LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Basil A. Paterson, renowned
public servant, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community, their profession, and their heritage served to enhance
the quality of life in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of great sorrow and deepest regret that
this Legislative Body records the passing of Basil A. Paterson, renowned
public servant, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his commu-
nity, on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, A lawyer, labor negotiator and federal mediator who also
served as a member of the New York State Senate, a deputy mayor and New
York's secretary of state, Basil A. Paterson's purposeful life and civic
endeavors were unerringly directed to serving the needs of his fellow
human beings; and
WHEREAS, The father of former Governor David A. Paterson, Basil A.
Paterson will be long remembered for his trailblazing efforts that
helped pave the way for a new generation of African American political
leaders, as well as for his dedication to opening doors for African
American businesses in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Basil Alexander Paterson was born in Manhattan on April 27,
1926, to Caribbean immigrants, Leonard and Evangeline Rondon Paterson;
he grew up in Harlem, graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1942
and enrolled at St. John's University; and
WHEREAS, Basil A. Paterson interrupted his college career to serve his
country for two years in the United States Army during World War II;
after the war, he returned to St. John's University where he earned a
bachelor's degree in biology in 1948, and a law degree in 1951; he set
up a legal practice in Harlem; and
WHEREAS, Passionately committed to civic engagement and the empower-
ment of his community, Basil A. Paterson joined several civic and commu-
nity organizations, including the Harlem branch of the NAACP where he
served as President in 1964 which fostered his immersion into local
politics; by the early 1960s, he was a member of the politically influ-
ential "Gang of Four" alongside David Dinkins, who would become the
first African-American mayor of New York City, United States Represen-
tative Charles Rangel, and civil rights activist and entrepreneur Percy
Sutton, who became the longest-serving Manhattan Borough President;
together, they forged a powerful base that helped to select and elect
many black candidates for legislative and executive offices; and
WHEREAS, Basil A. Paterson was appointed to the New York State Senate
in 1965, representing Manhattan's Upper West Side and Harlem; during his
tenure, this esteemed man championed many issues important to his
district and to the State of New York including co-founding the Black,
Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus and spearheading,
along with other members of the Caucus, special programs geared to
providing higher education assistance to minority students such as SEEK
(Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) and HEOP (Higher Educa-
tion Opportunity Program) which continues to aid minority students
today; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Basil A. Paterson gave up his Senate Seat to run for
Lieutenant Governor of New York as the running mate of former United
States Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg; he was the first major-
party black candidate for this post; and

WHEREAS, In 1978, Basil A. Paterson was appointed a Deputy Mayor of
New York City, however he stepped down from this position in 1979 to
become Secretary of State of New York, the first African American person
to have held the post, and served until 1982; from 1989 to 1995, he
served as Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Basil A. Paterson became
increasingly involved in labor relations, mediating dozens of disputes,
including the end of a 46-day strike against scores of private nonprofit
hospitals and nursing homes in New York City in 1984; in later years he
joined the law firm Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, specializing in
labor law; and
WHEREAS, This wise man also taught at the State University of New York
at New Paltz, Fordham University and Hunter College, giving countless
students the benefit of his many years of experience; and
WHEREAS, Basil A. Paterson was sincerely loved and greatly respected
by all those with whom he worked; committed to his community, the people
he represented, his State, and his Nation, he served his public with
dignity, dedication and incisive wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Over a long and meritorious life of service on behalf of
others, Basil A. Paterson was a man of action, of integrity, and of
commitment, whose true compassion was generously given to all who knew
him; and
WHEREAS, He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Portia
Hairston; his two sons, David and Daniel; and five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Basil A. Paterson leaves behind a tremendous legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Basil A. Paterson, renowned public servant, distin-
guished citizen, and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Basil A. Paterson.