Paul Feinman, NY Judge And Roosevelt Island Resident, Dies At 61

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A pioneering judge and Rosevelt Island resident who retired due to health issues last week has died, his colleagues said Wednesday.

Paul Feinman, 61, had been appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2017 to fill a seat on the New York State Court of Appeals. Once confirmed, he became the first openly gay judge to sit on the state's highest court.

He lived on Roosevelt Island with his husband, Robert Ostergaard, and his career had long been championed by East Side Congresswoman. Carolyn Maloney, according to a 2017 profile in Our Town.

Saddened by passing of Justice Paul Feinman - who was a dedicated public servant & champion for LGBTQ community.

We honor Justice Feinman by continuing the fight for equality & a more inclusive future.

from 2017 on Justice Feinman's swearing-in day to NYS Court of Appeals. pic.twitter.com/YpRcmlCTjX
— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) March 31, 2021

"Certainly my entire career has been about promoting equal access and equal justice for all, and I hope I add to the diversity of perspectives that the court considers," Feinman told state legislators that year, also describing a recent bout with leukemia that he said would not affect his service on the bench.

Feinman got his start in politics in Chelsea and the West Village before being elected to a civil court judgeship in 1996 and steadily rising through the state judiciary, the New York Times reported.

Feinman announced his retirement on March 23, citing unspecified "health concerns."

Feinman's death was announced Wednesday by Chief Judge JanetDiFiore, who mourned him as "a bright, experienced and knowledgeable jurist."

"He was also a kind and gentle man who was loved by many."

Deeply saddened by the passing this morning of Judge Paul Feinman.

Judge Feinman reflected the very best of NY. The first openly gay person to serve on the Court of Appeals, he was a lifelong champion of fairness, progress, equality & justice.

We will miss him terribly. pic.twitter.com/NFZCXpdAGk
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 31, 2021