LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Raymond K. Dusza, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Raymond K. Dusza, who died on May 3, 2009,
at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, A retired Erie County legislator known for his focus on
constituent service, Raymond K. Dusza represented South Cheektowaga,
Depew and Lancaster from 1988 to 2005; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure in the Erie County Legislature, Raymond K.
Dusza is credited with playing an important role in some key countywide
measures, including offering compromise legislation to ensure consumers
would be fairly compensated from any mistakes when supermarkets switched
from item pricing to scanning technology, and fighting to keep open the
County Veterans Services Office; and
WHEREAS, The Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Committee and Chairman
of the Government Affairs Committee and the Energy and Environment
Committee, Raymond K. Dusza also led the fight against Proctor &
Gamble's attempt to deny local shoppers free access to discount coupons;
and
WHEREAS, An Army veteran, Raymond K. Dusza also worked for 29 years at
the Westinghouse Corporation plant in Cheektowaga, where he rose from
shop steward to President of Local 1581, International Union of Elec-
trical Workers, which represented production workers; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of Western New York, Raymond K. Dusza believed
in giving back to the region he loved so much; over the years, he was
active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Depew; the Polish Falcons
Club in Depew; the Depew-Cheektowaga Taxpayers Association; the Ushers
Society at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church; and the Holy Name
Society at St. Josaphat Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, The 2001 Professional and Businessmen's Association Man of
the Year, Raymond K. Dusza was a member of Father Justin Council of the
Knights of Columbus; Frank L. Gierlach American Legion Post 1320;
AM-VETS Buddy Knaus Post; Catholic War Veterans Memorial Post 1313; and
WHEREAS, Raymond K. Dusza is survived by his wife of 49 years, the
former Teresa Skowron; a son, Timothy; and a daughter, Susan Barrett,
all of whom felt privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Raymond K. Dusza 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 Raymond K. Dusza, 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 Raymond K. Dusza.