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Basil Paterson, trailblazing New York politician, former Gov. David Paterson's father, dead at 87
Source: Newsday
Basil Paterson, trailblazing New York politician, former Gov. David Paterson's father, dead at 87
Originally published: April 17, 2014 1:24 AM
Updated: April 17, 2014 2:42 AM
By MICHAEL GORMLEY
ALBANY -- Basil Paterson, the father of former Gov. David A. Paterson and one of the pioneering lions of Harlem politics, died Wednesday night, according to a spokesman for his son. He was 87.
"Basil was well known throughout the community as a man of action, as someone who set his mind to accomplishments and always met those goals," David Paterson said in a statement. "He was a selfless leader and he dedicated his life to making sure others' lives were better. Throughout his life, he was known as a pillar of strength by so many throughout New York. For that, we know he was grateful."
No cause of death was given and funeral arrangements were pending.
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The dapper, sophisticated Paterson was among Harlem's influential Gang of Four that included Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem), former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and civil rights activist Percy Sutton. They built on the political base started by another giant, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., as they broke down racial barriers and gave a loud voice to African-Americans in the Democratic Party in New York and nationally.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
Originally published: April 17, 2014 1:24 AM
Updated: April 17, 2014 2:42 AM
By MICHAEL GORMLEY
ALBANY -- Basil Paterson, the father of former Gov. David A. Paterson and one of the pioneering lions of Harlem politics, died Wednesday night, according to a spokesman for his son. He was 87.
"Basil was well known throughout the community as a man of action, as someone who set his mind to accomplishments and always met those goals," David Paterson said in a statement. "He was a selfless leader and he dedicated his life to making sure others' lives were better. Throughout his life, he was known as a pillar of strength by so many throughout New York. For that, we know he was grateful."
No cause of death was given and funeral arrangements were pending.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
The dapper, sophisticated Paterson was among Harlem's influential Gang of Four that included Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem), former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and civil rights activist Percy Sutton. They built on the political base started by another giant, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., as they broke down racial barriers and gave a loud voice to African-Americans in the Democratic Party in New York and nationally.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
Read more: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/obituaries/basil-paterson-dead-trailblazing-ny-politician-and-former-gov-david-paterson-s-father-was-87-1.7733115
