LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Stephen J. Minarik III, the
former New York State and Monroe County Republican Chairman

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Stephen J. Minarik III of Webster, New York,
who died on April 12, 2009, at the age of 49; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in Rochester, New York, Stephen J. Minarik III
developed a passion for politics at an early age; he promoted friends
for the student council at Irondequoit High School and for student
government at the University of Rochester, where he majored in political
science; and
WHEREAS, An energetic political operative, Stephen J. Minarik III
began his career in 1983 as a clerk for the Monroe County Legislature;
in 1990, he became Executive Director of the Monroe County Republican
Committee, and he was elected Chairman two years later, at the age of
32; and
WHEREAS, Using his talents to elect numerous candidates to county and
state offices, Stephen J. Minarik III compiled an enviable winning
percentage, leading to his selection as New York State Republican Chair-
man in 2004; and
WHEREAS, After the 2006 elections, Stephen J. Minarik III resigned as
New York State Republican Chairman; he remained Chairman of the Monroe
County Republican Committee until 2008, when he resigned after 16 years
of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Stephen J. Minarik III is survived by his wife, Renee Forgen-
si Minarik; a son, Stephen IV; a daughter, Stephanie; two stepchildren,
Christopher and Kathleen; a brother, Daniel; and countless other family
members, friends, operatives, and elected officials, all of whom felt
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoiced in his many achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Stephen J. Minarik III
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 Stephen J. Minarik III, the former New York State and
Monroe County Republican Chairman; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Stephen J. Minarik III.