LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Mitchell Wiener, Assistant
Principal of Intermediate School 238, the Susan B. Anthony School

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life and
accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and dedication
significantly enhanced the quality of education in their community; and
WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing of
Mitchell Wiener, Assistant Principal of Queens Intermediate School 238,
the Susan B. Anthony School, on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at age 55; Mitc-
hell Wiener was tragically the first New York City resident to die after
contracting the H1N1 virus; and
WHEREAS, The American public school system is a treasured institution;
those, such as Mitchell Wiener, who work to improve our schools and
ensure that all children have access to quality educational programs
merit the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Mitchell Wiener was born in Brooklyn on December 4, 1953; the
son of Charlotte and Abraham Wiener, he attended New York City public
schools, including Cunningham Junior High School, where he later taught
briefly, and Sheepshead Bay High School; and
WHEREAS, He entered Brooklyn College of The City University of New
York at age 16 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and two master's
degrees from the college; after a brief stint as a Claims Representative
for the Social Security Administration, he began his career in education
as a math teacher at I.S. 238 in 1978 and quickly began shaping gener-
ations of students from Hollis, Queens; and
WHEREAS, After seven years in the classroom, he became a Dean at the
school, then the School Programmer/Administrative Assistant, and in
1991, Assistant Principal, the position in which he served ably and with
great diligence and commitment until his death; and
WHEREAS, Mitchell Wiener spent over 30 productive years at I.S. 238
where he was a well-liked and devoted educator; he truly enriched the
lives of the children and was loved and respected by the school communi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Mitchell Wiener's many interests outside his demanding career
included the assassination of John F. Kennedy, chess, music, and sports;
he coached his sons' Little League teams for many years and was an
active member and Treasurer of The Garden Jewish Center of Flushing; and
WHEREAS, Mitchell Wiener is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 30
years, Bonnie, their son Adam, and their twin sons, Jordan and Farrell,
all of whom are proud to have been part of his life and rejoice in his
devotion and his many accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Mitc-
hell Wiener touched the lives of thousands of young people, their
parents, and the Queens community he served; he leaves a legacy of
learning and commitment which will long endure; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legisla-
tive Body is moved to mourn the death of Mitchell Wiener, a man of great
faith, compassion and achievement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Mitchell Wiener, to celebrate his life, and to
acknowledge the significance of his contributions to education in New
York City and New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Mitchell Wiener with the deepest condolences of
this Legislative Body.