The State of New York has lost one of its most beloved leaders with the death of former governor Mario Cuomo of heart failure in January at the age of 82. Cuomo served as New York’s chief executive from 1983 until 1994, and was often considered a potential candidate for President of the United States, though he never sought the nomination. He retired from politics after a failed bid for a fourth term as governor.

In the 1980s, though, during the height of his governorship, he and his family were embroiled in a legal battle that garnered substantial media attention. Cuomo’s father-in-law, Charles Raffa, a wealthy business owner in New York, was severely beaten in a mysterious attack, and left incapable of managing his own affairs. Members of his family sought to have a conservator assigned to manage his affairs, as they could not agree on how the affairs should be handled.

Supreme Court Justice Sebastian Leone in Brooklyn appointed Harvey A. Sackstein, Esquire, the late founding partner of Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP, to evaluate the situation. After a full investigation and assessment of the matter, Mr. Sackstein reported to the court that Mr. Raffa lacked capacity to manage his own affairs, and Mr. Sackstein recommended that a conservator be appointed for Mr. Raffa. Attached is an article that provides a detailed account of the protracted battles that ensued: Mario Cuomo’s All-Star Family Feud Source: NYMAG.com
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