Basil Paterson, who served as legal counsel and negotiations advisor to the UFT, passed away on April 16 at the age of 87.

When he learned of Paterson's passing, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said:

Basil's wise counsel was essential in my first years as UFT president. He had an unmatched knowledge of the city's political and labor landscape, and a deep understanding of its history. He was a champion of the rights of teachers and all workers. I will miss him both as a colleague and as a friend.