Bill Text: NY J03284 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: GERARD GRACE-mourn the death
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-07-22 - ADOPTED [J03284 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-J03284-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 3284 BY: Senator AKSHAR MOURNING the death of Gerard Grace, retired Binghamton Police Officer, family man and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Gerard Grace was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Gerard Grace, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Gerard "Jerry" Grace of Binghamton, New York, died on Friday, June 19, 2020, at the age of 69, after a heroic battle with cancer; and WHEREAS, Born to Bill and Kay Grace in Binghamton, New York, on April 20, 1951, Gerard Grace attended Catholic schools where he excelled in cross country and track, holding the record for the mile for many years; furthermore, as a basketball player he earned the nickname Leapin' Leon for his abilities at the rim; and WHEREAS, Gerard Grace went on to earn a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Sullivan County Community College; his infamous red Mustang took him on many adventures away from home, but his heart and love belonged to Binghamton, where he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Nancy; and WHEREAS, Gerard Grace distinguished himself in his profession as a Binghamton Police Officer and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; his commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Upon retiring from the Binghamton Police Department after a distinguished 29-year career as a patrolman, Gerard Grace began a second career as a part-time substitute teacher's aide for the Binghamton School District; and WHEREAS, Spending time with his family meant the world to him; they traveled yearly to the Jersey Shore and the Gettysburg battlefield, where he instilled in his children his passion for history; and WHEREAS, Gerard Grace was an amazing man, gifted with humor, compassion, introspection, style and grace; his daughters were his pride and joy, he loved spending time with family, enjoying his pets, playing the guitar, barbequing, a cold Labatt's, landscaping, home improvements, a good round of golf, and the Mets; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, his life was a portrait of service, a legacy which will long endure the passing of time, and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, William and Kathryn; and brother-in-law, James; Gerard Grace is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy (Stein); two daughters, Aimee (Ernest) and Melanie; siblings, William (Nancy), Mary Beth (Kate), and Patti Ann (Mickey); and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Grant), Thomas (Lisa), Carol (Mark), Rosemary (Joe), and Delorme; he was also beloved by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, loyal cousins, and faithful friends; and WHEREAS, Gerard Grace name is synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Gerard Grace, retired Binghamton Police Officer, family man and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Gerard Grace.