Just a week ago, we reported that Judge Paul Feinman retired from the bench due to health concerns. Yesterday, Chief Justice Janet Di Fiore, said that he had died after an undisclosed illness.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the death today of our beloved colleague, Paul G. Feinman, Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals,” di Fiore wrote.

“Judge Feinman was a bright,experienced and knowledgeable jurist who made an extraordinary impact on the Court of Appeals and the law of our state. He was also a kind and gentle man who was loved by many.”

Read her complete statement here.

Feinman lived on Roosevelt Island, in Southtown, with his partner Jay Robert Ostergaard.

Justice Feinman was born in Hempstead on Long Island and was raised in Merrick.

He graduated from Columbia University and earned his law degree at the University of Minnesota.

The Court of Appeals is New York’s highest court, and when Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed him in June, 2013, Feinman was the first openly gay judge serving on the court. The State Senate confirmed him promptly.

Governor Cuomo noted his passing on Twitter:

• 
  Thursday’s PSD blotter: two hospital runs, a trespass summons at 888 Main
  RIOC’s Nov. 12 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents: six medical calls, two alarms at 546 Main Street, and a late-night trespass at 888 Main Street that ended with a summons.
• 
  Queens Home Prices and Rents Rise in October 2026 as Long Island City Condos Draw Buyers
  Queens home prices and rents rose in October 2026. See StreetEasy’s housing figures and Long Island City condo contract activity at Radiant and Vesta.
• 
  Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 Changes
  Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
• 
  Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody report
  RIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
• 
  Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in Astoria
  Plans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.

The Contractor RIOC Wasn’t Allowed to Remember

LiRo-Hill returned to RIOC’s panel despite earlier questions about its oversight. When directors challenged its inclusion, the explanation raised a new question about RIOC’s procurement rules.

Theo Gobblevelt Nov 6, 2026

Professor Lydia W. Tang recognized the name LiRo-Hill. During the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s September 10, 2026 board meeting, Chief Operating Officer Mary C. Cunneen presented eleven construction management firms recommended for contracts lasting up to six years.

Continue reading →