JEFFREY PALEY Obituary

PALEY--Jeffrey, 82, of New York City and Nantucket died February 27 after a six-week battle with COVID-19. Educated at Harvard and the Graduate Faculty, New School, he was a political economist with two prior careers: at the Paris Herald Tribune and as a syndicated columnist in Europe in the 1960s; and as co-founder of Paley and Lowe, one of the first art galleries in SoHo in the 1970s. Jeff was fiercely involved with current events, civil liberties, and climate change. His love of family was boundless, and his outspokenness, brilliance, and spirit left a mark on all who knew him. Survived by wife of 32 years, Valerie Paley, children Austin and Elianne, sister Hilary Califano, and five other siblings.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JEFFREY PALEY

10 Entries

Bob and Cynthia Domine

January 4, 2022

Just yesterday, we learned of Jeff's passing. We have such fond memories of Jeff and Valerie, from our days in the Village and at First Church. What a delightful couple! After moving to Maine in the early 90's, we saw Jeff and Val only occasionally. Jeff always had a sparkle in his eye, ready for conversation, ready for adventure. He will be missed. Our condolences to Valerie and the children.

Angelita Vasquez Ramirez

May 20, 2021

Sad to hear about the passing of Jeff, husband of my niece, Valerie. It was nice to meet him, when we visited the family in New York. My deepest sympathy to Valerie and their children. Sad to find out just now, May 20, 2021.

Alison Ward

April 14, 2021

I was saddened to learn of Jeff's death. My condolences to his widow and children, whom I'm certain he loved with all his heart. Based upon my brief interaction with Jeff in the 1980's, it makes perfect sense that his family meant the world to him.

Valerie Paley

March 4, 2021

Greetings, friends.

Thank you so much for your love and support. It means so much to Austin, Elianne, and me.

Until we can come together to raise a glass to our dear, departed friend, husband, and dad, there are some charities which he cherished, which, if you are so inclined, would welcome your donations in his honor: The Voices of Ascension, the choral group on whose board he sat (https://www.voicesofascension.org/support-us); the American Civil Liberties Union (https://www.aclu.org/how-you-can-help); the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (https://mfpausa.com/), which supports the extraordinary work of disabled artists; and NISHA, the Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals, a wonderful open-door shelter (https://www.nishanimals.org/).

With great appreciation.

John Judy

March 3, 2021

As many of you probably know Jeffrey was a crafty tennis player. That's how we met many years ago. Always cheerful and fun to be with. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family.

Carol Kitchin

March 3, 2021

Our family is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jeffrey. Please know that we are lifting your family in prayer. Sending love from the Kitchin Family.

Ruth Trenary

March 3, 2021

As a father of my former Paley students, Jeffrey always visited the classroom with a smile and was interested in all Austin and Elianne were doing. He was so proud of his children and wife, Valerie. Thank you, Valerie, for the work you are doing for our city through your amazing work with the New York Historical society. You, Jeffery and your children have contributed so much! My prayers and best wishes are with all of you during this time. Ruth Trenary

Georgia Raysman

March 2, 2021

What a vital, interesting and lively man Jeff was. We and our children will miss our Nantucket neighbor.

Lydia Spinelli

March 2, 2021

The Brick Church School mourns the death of Jeffrey Paley, former Chair of the Day School Committee (the equivalent of the School’s board) and former member of the Board of Summer Steps, Brick’s program for low income four- and five-year-olds who are entering or applying to independent school kindergartens the following fall. Jeff was a dedicated, thoughtful and generous supporter of both causes. We will miss his keen analysis of every issue, dry wit and kindness. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife, Valerie, and children, Austin and Elianne, both graduates of The Brick Church School.
Lydia Spinelli
Director of Summer Steps at The Brick Church School
Former Director of The Brick Church School

March 1, 2021

An enormously interesting, complicated, wonderful man who will be remembered with the greatest fondness by his many friends. With our deepest sympathy to his beloved family. Alison & Douglas

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