Basil Paterson, father of former Gov. David Paterson, dead at 87....The patriarch served in the state Senate in the '60s, as deputy mayor under Mayor Ed Koch in the '70s and as secretary of state under Gov. Hugh Carey — paving the way for his son.

Basil Paterson, a lion of Harlem politics who helped to pave the way for a new generation of black leaders — including a son who became governor — has died, his family said Thursday. He was 87.

Basil Patterson

Paterson passed away at a Manhattan hospital Wednesday after falling ill with heart problems .

Paterson was a state senator, a deputy mayor, New York’s first black secretary of state and a labor negotiator and mediator.

And Along with David Dinkins, Charles Rangel and Percy Sutton, Paterson was a member of Harlem’s legendary "Gang of Four," which was the center of African-American political power in the city for 40 years and played an influential role in state and national politics as well.

The other members of the foursome also earned places in the history books: Dinkins became New York's first black mayor. Rangel is seeking his 23rd term in Congress. And Sutton, who died in 2009, was a civil rights lawyer, Manhattan borough president and the owner of WLIB-AM.

Manhattan power brokers David Dinkins,
 Basil Patterson, Percy Sutton and Charles Rangel

 

"It's a painful experience when you lose someone that you've known for over 60 years, but he had the most integrity, honesty, and clear thinking of any person that I've ever met," Rangel said.

"Those of us that knew him are pained today... All we have left now are the memories."

Paterson’s son, former Gov. David Paterson, said his father was “a selfless leader“ who “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.” more