Catherine Nolan, a longtime Queens lawmaker and one of the most influential voices in New York State education policy, passed away on March 11, 2026, one day before her 68th birthday.
Nolan spent nearly four decades representing western Queens in the New York State Assembly and built a reputation as a pragmatic, deeply respected leader in Albany.
In 2022 the Echo honored Nolan when she was presented with the Lifetime of Public Service Award at our Community Champions Awards.
Said a statement announcing her passing: "First elected in 1984 at just 26 years old, Nolan went on to serve the 37th Assembly District for 38 years, representing neighborhoods including Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Astoria, Woodside, Long Island City, and Maspeth. Over the course of her career, she became one of the Assembly’s most senior members and a key figure in the Democratic leadership.
"Nolan served as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, chaired the powerful Assembly Education Committee, where she played a central role in shaping school funding, oversight, and education policy across New York, prior to that she served as the chair of the Labor committee. She was also a member of influential committees including Ways & Means and Rules, positions that placed her at the center of legislative decision-making in Albany.
"Born in Syracuse, New York, Nolan grew up in Queens and attended Grover Cleveland High School before earning a political science degree from New York University. She lived most of her life in Ridgewood, the community she represented, and was widely known for her accessibility to constituents and dedication to neighborhood concerns.
"During her distinguished career, Nolan delivered countless improvements for the communities she served, from spearheading the construction of new schools to supporting parks and playgrounds, strengthening local senior centers, advancing housing improvements, and working to expand access to healthcare. Nolan was a fierce long term advocate for the rights of New Yorkers, including women, farmworkers and the LGBTQ community. She was particuarly proud of her long-time sponsorship of the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, which was signed into law in 2019. Time and again, she showed up for her constituents and fought for the needs of her district.
"Colleagues frequently described Nolan as a steady, knowledgeable legislator who understood both the policy details and the political dynamics of Albany. Her long tenure made her one of the most experienced lawmakers in the state, and she was often sought out by both members and staff for guidance. Her deep knowledge of government and Queens, quick wit, and ability to find solutions on the spot made her both an effective legislator and a beloved colleague.
"Nolan was very well known for her support to others in their careers in public service, particularly young women. Her dedication to her family and her unwavering commitment to doing what was right for her constituents were among the many gifts she shared with those who knew and worked with her.
"After nearly four decades in office, Nolan announced in 2022 that she would not seek reelection, closing one of the longest legislative careers in Queens history. She left the Assembly at the end of that year, having represented the same district continuously since 1985.
"As fierce an advocate as she was for her community, Cathy was equally devoted to her beloved husband, Gerard “Gerry” Marsicano, and their son, Nicholas (“Nick”), whom she spoke about with great pride in the halls of Albany. She is survived by her husband and son, as well as her sister, Margaret Nolan; brother, Phillip Nolan; sister-in-law, Madeline Marsicano; brother-in-law, John Marsicano; and several nieces and a nephew.
"Her passing marks the end of a chapter in Queens politics. For nearly forty years, Cathy Nolan was a constant presence - a legislator whose influence helped shape education policy and whose commitment to her district defined a lifetime of public service."
Visitation will be held on Sunday March 15 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, 43-07 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside, Queens. Funeral Mass details pending. More at https://edwarddlynchfuneralhome.com/
