Edward N. Costikyan (September 24, 1924 – June 22, 2012) was an Armenian American Democratic Party politician who was notable for reforming the party in New York City. He was also the author of many books and articles on varied topics of public policy and political science.
In 1951 he joined the firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, in his first position as an associate lawyer. He became a partner of that firm in 1960.[1] In 1962, Costikyan was elected chairman of the New York County Democratic Committee, defeating Carmine DeSapio, and served two years. He was credited for removing Tammany Hall influence, thus reforming the Democratic Party and bringing it into the 20th Century.[1] He was Abraham Beame's campaign manager in the 1965 Mayoral campaign. He served on commissions investigating the New York City government for Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller and Mario M. Cuomo.[1] He dropped out of his campaign for Mayor in 1977, but instead joined the campaign of Edward I. Koch, formerly a political adversary.[1][5] For many years until his death, he served as a member of the advisory board for the Center for New York City Law at New York Law School.[6]
Personal life
Costikyan has been married twice. His first marriage to Frances Holmgren ended in divorce.[7] In 1977, he married Barbara Heine, a freelance writer and daughter of advertising executive, Arthur C. Fatt in a Unitarian ceremony.[8] He has two children from his first marriage[8] including game designer Greg Costikyan.[1] He was a founder and conductor for the Occasional Oratorio and Orchestral Society.[1]
