Assembly Resolution No. 791

BY: M. of A. Sayegh

MOURNING the death of Paul W. Nassar, MD, devoted
family man and distinguished 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; Paul W. Nassar, MD, was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Paul W. Nassar, MD, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul W. Nassar of Yonkers, New York, passed away on
Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, Born on October 17, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, to the late
George and Jemelia Nassar, Paul W. Nassar was the third of four children
and one of three sons; and

WHEREAS, Paul W. Nassar earned his medical degree at the University
of Rome La Sapienza after graduating from New York University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul W. Nassar was a recognized expert in
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a Major in the Medical Corps from
1973-1975, Director of Psychiatric Inpatient Services at St. Luke's
Roosevelt Hospital, Founder and Course Director of Psychiatry and Law at
St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, partner at Anderson & Nassar Clinical
and Forensic Psychiatry, a private psychiatrist for 25 years and
maintained a private practice in forensic psychiatry since 2010; and

WHEREAS, A proud Palestinian- and Arab-American, Dr. Paul W. Nassar
provided human rights and medical aid work for Palestinians both in and
outside of Palestine for decades; alongside long-time friend and
colleague Laila Atshan, he trained doctors in Palestine in PTSD
treatment and other specialties of his, and, since the early 1990s,
regularly spoke at conventions and conferences with organizations such
as the National Arab American Medical Association, the Gaza Community
Medical Health Programme, and others; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Dr. Paul W. Nassar was a member of the Board
of Directors for the Kahlil Gibran Educational Fund in Yonkers,
volunteered with Doctors Without Borders, and aided countless refugees
throughout the world seeking asylum in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul W. Nassar was a man of many talents; he was a
voracious reader with a passion for history, a lifelong student of
medicine and science, and appreciated opera and carpentry; and

WHEREAS, A sports enthusiast, Dr. Paul W. Nassar was a semi-pro
rugby player, college football player, marathon runner, and avid golfer
and Giants/Yankees/Knicks/Rangers fan; he also enjoyed learning about
other cultures, was deeply engaged in current affairs here and abroad,

and most importantly, loved spending time with his family and friends;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul W. Nassar is survived by his wife of over 40
years, Dorothy Nassar; one brother, Philip (Michele); two
sisters-in-law, Helen Schneider and Linda Uruburu; three sons, Josh Paul
(Amy), Jordan Paul (Amir), and Paul Andrew (Olivia); three
granddaughters, Naomi Jemelia, Justice Julia, and Janis Mary; three
nieces, Debra (Doug) Snyder, Sarah (Matthew) Garcia, and Katie (Phil)
Harrison; three nephews, Dr. Jay Paul (Jolene) Nassar, Matthew Serban,
and Jacob (Danielle) Serban, as well as many great-nieces,
great-nephews, cousins, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul W. Nassar's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. Paul W. Nassar leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; 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 Paul W. Nassar, MD, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Paul W. Nassar, MD.