Senate Resolution No. 1628 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER HONORING Stephan H. Lewy upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019 WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Stephan H. Lewy upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers' Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in The Egg, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during National Older Americans Month; and WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Born in 1925, Stephan H. Lewy grew up in war-torn Berlin, Germany; after surviving Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, at his orphanage's synagogue, he secured refuge in France, and then came to the United States, where he was drafted into the Army; and WHEREAS, As a soldier, Stephan H. Lewy returned to his home country where he interrogated Nazis and mapped out enemy positions; he also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate the concentration camp in Buchenwald; for his meritorious service, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military duties, Stephan H. Lewy returned to his job as an office boy at a mining company in Boston, Massachusetts; using the GI Bill, he attended night school and finished three years of high school in 17 months; he then took night classes for six years and earned his college degree from Northwestern University; and WHEREAS, After he passed the CPA exam, Stephan H. Lewy served as a public accountant for six years; he then began his career in the hotel industry, working for Sheraton Hotels for 11 years, and then Dunfey Hotels (now Omni) in New Hampshire; after more than two decades of service, he retired in 1991, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, As a Holocaust survivor, Stephan H. Lewy has witnessed numerous atrocities, yet he still lives by his mantra "It's important to make a difference and change the world"; after retiring, he decided to share his story with school children and college students, and various groups throughout Erie County including the Senior Services University Express Program; and WHEREAS, Through his words, Stephan H. Lewy has taught numerous people, both young and old the dangers of discrimination, and to celebrate, not ridicule, everyone's differences; and WHEREAS, Stephan H. Lewy's story has also been told through Lillian Herzberg's book, A Sojourn into Freedom, and an exhibit at the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, the former Frances Silver, and their two children, Arthur and Ellen, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Stephan H. Lewy has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, Stephan H. Lewy, a very active and industrious man, has inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Stephan H. Lewy upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Stephan H. Lewy.