STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO ON THE PASSING OF BASIL PATERSON
Basil Paterson exemplified a model of public leadership, serving the people of New York with integrity and dedication to make this State a better place.
New York will miss him.
From his service in the U.S. Army during World War II to breaking barriers to become New York’s first African-American Secretary of State, Basil Paterson put his commitment to this State and our nation first.
His legacy inspired a new generation of talented public leadership, a legacy his son Governor David Paterson carried on as Governor. Basil’s spirit will forever be felt in the neighborhoods of Harlem, a community he loved, fought tirelessly for, and called home.
We mourn his passing, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my thoughts and prayers to Governor David Paterson and Basil’s entire family.
