Assembly Resolution No. 564

BY: M. of A. McMahon

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Miguel
Rodriguez, longtime sports reporter for The Buffalo
News, distinguished citizen and proud member of his
Western New York community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding individuals who distinguished themselves through their
exceptional careers, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of great sorrow and deepest regret that
this Legislative Body records the passing of Miguel Rodriguez, longtime
sports reporter for The Buffalo News, distinguished citizen and proud
member of his community, noting the significance of the loss of a man
with immense talent and an indomitable spirit; and

WHEREAS, Miguel Rodriguez of Buffalo, New York, died from
complications of COVID-19 on Monday, January 31, 2022, at the age of 47;
and

WHEREAS, After attending Canisius High School, where he played
varsity football and hockey, Miguel Rodriguez earned his bachelor's
degree in English and was the goaltender on the hockey team for the
University of Rochester; and

WHEREAS, Miguel Rodriguez's long and distinguished career in sports
journalism began while he was a student working in the University of
Rochester's sports information department; after graduating, he worked
for several New York newspapers including the Rochester Democrat &
Chronicle, Cortland Standard, and Greater Niagara Newspapers; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, Miguel Rodriguez joined the staff of The Buffalo
News and worked in various capacities, most recently, as the high school
sports reporter; he also covered the Bills, Sabres, college basketball,
college hockey, boxing and the two IIHF World Junior Championships which
have been held in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Miguel Rodriguez, known as Miggy to his family and many
friends, was truly dedicated to his craft and was known as a local
sports expert; he was genuinely interested in high school sports and
took great efforts to ensure he was a reliable source of information and
inspiration to all who followed his recap articles or his "Prep Talk"
column; and

WHEREAS, Whether at a stadium or in an arena, Miguel Rodriguez was a
constant figure whose love for sports was evident through his endearing
smile and thunderous laughter which was contagious; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his love for the games, Miguel Rodriguez's
greatest source of happiness was his family; he was a devoted son and
brother, and a man whose dedication to his family took precedence over
all things; and

WHEREAS, Miguel Rodriguez is survived by his loving parents, John
and Nancy Davidson; his devoted sister, Megan; and numerous colleagues,
coaches, athletes and friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Miguel Rodriguez has surely left a void in
Western New York's sporting community; he was a compassionate and caring
man who truly made his community a better place with his experience,
intelligence and zest for life; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Miguel Rodriguez leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Miguel Rodriguez, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the Western
New York athletic community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Miguel Rodriguez.