LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of veteran journalist Richard
Ornauer, distinguished 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, Richard Ornauer died on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at the age
of 86; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ornauer distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ornauer was a longtime Long Island journalist who
also worked toward improving educational opportunities for children; he
was born in Brooklyn on October 19, 1922, and was raised on Long Island,
in Merrick and Floral Park; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ornauer studied journalism at the University of
Missouri, but interrupted his studies to enlist in the United States
Army in 1942, during World War II; he went on to become a sergeant major
overseeing engineering construction brigades; and
WHEREAS, After returning from the service in 1945 and completing his
studies, Richard Ornauer earned his degree and began working as a wire
editor for a small newspaper in Georgia; he soon became homesick and
moved back to Long Island, where he began a 20-year career as a city
editor at the LONG ISLAND PRESS, and at the now-defunct NASSAU DAILY
REVIEW-STAR; he also had worked as a reporter, copyreader and night
editor at the REVIEW-STAR; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ornauer left the journalism field and worked as the
public health information director for the Nassau County Department of
Health for 16 years, leaving in 1987, and two years later retiring as
director of the New York State School Boards Association in Albany; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ornauer was a 26-year member of the Merrick Board of
Education, and a founding member of Nassau BOCES, serving on the board
for 20 years, which was one of his proudest achievements; and
WHEREAS, A strong proponent of education, Richard Ornauer's commitment
to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields
of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ornauer is survived by his wife, Rexene, his chil-
dren, David, Michael, and SaraJo, his sister, Dorothea, five stepchil-
dren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of veteran journalist Richard Ornauer, 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 Richard Ornauer.