• Paul Gilman, 64, committed activist, Green Party member, adviser, friend

Throughout his life, Paul Gilman was a tireless champion for a more sustainable and equitable world. A native of Jackson Heights, Queens, Paul was a graduate of Queens Community College and was a member of the taxi drivers’ union for more than 20 years.

The Village Sun
By Marni Halasa
June 3, 2024

Paul Gilman, right, with Marni Halasa, left, demonstrating for debt forgiveness for taxi medallion owners and owner-drivers. (Courtesy Marni Halasa)

I recently saw Paul only three weeks ago at our business, The Purple Tongue Wine Bar, in Hells Kitchen. And I was thrilled. It was, again, another opportunity to thank him for all the immeasurable help he gave me during my two outsider campaigns for City Council in 2017 and 2021 in District 3. But for Paul, who had been at the wine bar numerous times beforehand, it was a way not just to say hello, but to support a friend’s new small business.

I may not be saying anything new to his family and close friends. But anyone who knew Paul — especially those in the worlds of New York City activism — understood his passion and commitment. Paul gave me such a gift when I ran for public office. He was a relentless petitioning machine, spending entire days and weeks on the streets of Chelsea, Hells Kitchen and the West Village to collect voters’ signatures to put me on the ballot.

A student of history, he also spent hours explaining policy to me — which ones were lip service and which were the best for the people. With his easygoing nature, and ability to find humor is nearly everything, he kept me surprisingly sane when the demons of self-doubt rattled my every thought. And when I was at my wits’ end — wondering how on earth I was going campaign in seven places in the district, prepare for debates, answer nearly 50 questionnaires and raise money to qualify for matching funds — Paul was always there to lend support, often cracking jokes, guiding me to see the big picture, and I am forever grateful.

“Never underestimate how influential you are,” he would tell me.

Those rare people who come to you to assist you in times of sheer stress make an unforgettable impression. And Paul was exactly that — that proverbial guardian angel who kept me inspired, enthused, focused on getting my issues out there in the community — and, most importantly, kept me going, often when I didn’t think I could. I can hear Paul now from afar telling me to “stop gushing” in this piece, but that’s really who he was. His good friend and Bronx Green Party colleague Debra Rosario agrees.

“Paul was the epitome of commitment and service to others,” she said. “Whether he was protesting against the genocide in Gaza, advocating for the legalization of marijuana, the release of Leonard Peltier, debt relief for taxi workers, the School of the Americas Watch or helping the Green Party grow — he deeply cared about his community and orchestrated his life to do exactly that.”

Aton Edwards, an environmental/social activist and disaster-preparedness expert, said, “Paul was the kind of person you were lucky to know and call a friend! He was a dedicated activist, martial artist, brilliant historian and a damn wonderful human being! Definitely the best of us! Goodbye, my brother! See you after the Global Dr. Ed Teller BBQ Festival!”

Paul may have left this world, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he has touched and the lasting impact of his advocacy. He would also want us to have more humor in our lives, not to sweat the small stuff, listen to more heavy-metal tunes and to take time to enjoy ourselves because life, as we all know too well, is much too short.

May we all be inspired by his example to strive for a more just, sustainable and compassionate world — as well as to not forget to have a damn good time on the planet. And for those reasons and more, Paul Gilman, we all thank you, salute you, will always remember you — and one day, will again party with you in the great beyond.

Paul Gilman is survived by his ex-wife, Rocio, daughter, Fananda, and son, Ulrick, grandson, Avery, as well as a brother, Philip, sister, Emily, stepsister, Mimi, best friend, Doug, and cat, Slinky.

Looking forward, my friend!

The late Paul Gilman poses a question to Jill Stein during the 2024 Green Party of New York nominating convention.