LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Donald J. Grunder, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Donald J. Grunder, affectionately known by all as Buddy, of
Hillcrest, New York, died on Friday, April 10, 2009, at the age of 76;
and
WHEREAS, Raised in Corning, New York, and a graduate of Corning Free
Academy, Donald J. Grunder moved to Binghamton in 1962 to manage a jani-
torial business; he eventually became self-employed when he began Ameri-
can Cleaning Services; and
WHEREAS, Donald J. Grunder distinguished himself in his profession 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, Having an interest in town politics, Donald J. Grunder ran
for and won the office of Supervisor for the Town of Fenton, a post he
held for 26 years; he is also a past president of the Hillcrest Rotary,
as well as a past member of the Binghamton Club and the Elks Club; and
WHEREAS, Donald J. Grunder took pleasure in many things including
reading, golf, hunting, fishing, traveling, boating, cane collecting and
telling jokes; furthermore, he was very family oriented and enjoyed
taking the time between working his two jobs to go on family trips along
the Finger Lakes and the East Coast; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Carl and Harriet Grunder, and a
son, Carl P. Grunder, Donald J. Grunder is survived by his wife of 56
years, Carolyn; his children, Karen and Rich Green, David and Charlene
Grunder, Eric and Ronnie Grunder, Peter and Gretchen Grunder, and Gary
Grunder and Jean Westcott; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and
Elise Grunder; sisters, Barbara Hakes and Carol Grunder; grandchildren,
Erin and Dave Micha, Heather, Hannah, Alicia Grunder, Valerie Sprague,
Kurt, Karl, Evan, Luke, Alec, and Reed Grunder; and many nieces and
nephews; in addition, he leaves behind many friends from both New York
as well as from across the country but especially Bill Smith, Dean Otta-
way, and John Broderick, known to Donald as the "Lunch Bunch"; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Donald J. Grunder 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
mourn the death of Donald J. Grunder, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Donald J. Grunder.