In new York, as executor of my fathers estate, am I required to publish a notice of probate or death notice in a local newspaper to alert creditors?

No, but there are notices known as citations that may be required, depending on the facts of the matter. There are provisions of the law that obligate you, as Executor, to ensure that the bills and claims are either paid or a determination made as to whether payment is required. Additionally, there is a time frame in which you must entertain such presentation of bills or claims, before you can distribute the estate, the failure to do so which can leave you personally liable for the bills. best to speak with a qualified estate attorney. Gerry Wendrovsky, Esq.- Upper West Side Estate Lawyer www.upperwestsidelawyer.com