Paul Pickelle

SCARSDALE — Paul W. Pickelle, 87, a longtime resident of Scarsdale, NY, died peacefully on July 1, 2026.

Paul was born and raised in Ossining, NY. He graduated from New York University and Fordham Law School.

For many years, Mr. Pickelle served as Bureau Chief in the New York State Office of the Special Prosecutor, investigating and prosecuting corruption in the criminal justice system. He also served as Special Assistant to then-Queens District Attorney John Santucci, leading an investigation into the awarding of cable television franchises in Queens County.

Mr. Pickelle was Corporation Counsel for the City of Yonkers in 1988, when the City Council refused to implement a federal court-ordered housing desegregation plan. He supported compliance with the court's mandate and helped persuade two City Council members to change their votes in favor of the plan. His role in the standoff was later portrayed in the HBO series "Show Me a Hero," based on the book by Lisa Belkin.

Mr. Pickelle was the Democratic Party's candidate for Westchester County District Attorney in both 1985 and 1989.

Mr. Pickelle began his legal career with the Legal Aid Society, representing criminal defendants in Manhattan and the Bronx. He was also an associate counsel to the New York City Bar Association’s Grievance Committee, investigating allegations of attorney misconduct. He was engaged in private practice before retiring in 2019.

Outside the courtroom, Paul was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing national and local politics. An enthusiastic fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and then the New York Mets, he loved playing golf and listening to Frank Sinatra. He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor.

Mr. Pickelle is survived by Karen, his loving wife of 56 years; his son, Matthew; his daughter, Abbe; and his dear grandchildren, Eliza and John.