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. 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.
Statement From The Family Of Catherine Nolan:
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.
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 particularly 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 was held on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, Inc, in Sunnyside. The wake was well-attended by many elected officials from all across Queens as well as New York State.
Statements On The Passing Of Catherine Nolan:
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.: “Cathy Nolan was a true champion and a trailblazer in every sense of those words. Elected to the State Assembly at just 26 years old, she inspired a generation of young people in Western Queens to get involved in their community, but she wasn’t satisfied with just holding office or accumulating political power,” said Borough President Richards. “Instead, she dedicated every day of her nearly 38-year Assembly career to improving our education system and investing in the futures of countless children across our borough, city and state, regardless of their ZIP code or socioeconomic status. While Cathy is no longer with us physically, her legacy of service and commitment to her constituents in Western Queens and beyond undoubtedly lives on. My thoughts, and those of all 2.4 million Queens residents, are with the Nolan family and all who knew and loved her.”
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend and former Assemblymember
Cathy Nolan. She was a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer. Elected to the Assembly at 26, she was the first woman to chair the Labor Committee and was a leading force in raising the minimum wage and strengthening workers’ protections. She served as chair of the Education Committee, fighting for universal Pre-K, reducing class sizes and improving graduation rates. In her 38 years in the People’s House, she was a voice for her constituents in Queens and fought for legislation that improved the lives of people across our great state. I was lucky to serve with her and privileged to have her on my leadership team as deputy speaker. My heart goes out to her husband Gerry, her son Nick and to all of her friends and loved ones. She will be missed.”
Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside): “I am saddened to hear about the loss of former Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan. Cathy was not only a tremendous legislator, but she was also a caring friend and colleague. I will always be grateful for the support and guidance she gave me over the years. She will be deeply missed.”
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar: “Today I mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and my former colleague, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan. Elected to the New York State Assembly at just 26 years old, she was one of the youngest women ever elected to State Office and blazed a trail that opened doors for generations of women in public service. Cathy broke barriers as the first woman to chair the Assembly’s Labor Committee, where she championed increasing the minimum wage and new worker protections. She then led the Education Committee with the same dedication, pushing for Universal Pre-K, smaller class sizes, and higher graduation rates. Throughout her nearly 38-year career, she showed what principled leadership looks like—fighting for working people, strengthening our schools, and lifting up communities across New York. Assemblywoman Nolan’s impact was felt deeply here in Ridgewood, which both of us represented. For nearly four decades, she was a steadfast advocate for the people of Ridgewood and all of Queens, championing policies that supported workers, children, and families. I was honored to serve alongside her and proud to have her leadership as Deputy Speaker. My prayers are with her husband Gerry, her son Nick, and all whose lives she touched. Cathy’s legacy of service, courage, and compassion will endure, and she will be deeply missed. To honor her legacy, I will be hosting a candlelight vigil for Assemblywoman Nolan. Full details will be available soon.”