LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Gary R. Worden, former
Maine-Endwell Central School District Superintendent, 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, Gary R. Worden of Endwell, New York, died on Tuesday, October
13, 2009, at the age of 61; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 2, 1948, in Binghamton, New York, Gary R. Worden
graduated from Chenango Valley High School, Ithaca College and SUNY
Cortland; he excelled in athletics in high school as well as in college,
where he was chosen Captain of the Ithaca baseball team; he was also
named an All-American athlete in football; and
WHEREAS, Gary R. Worden distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, His leadership style as Superintendent for the Maine-Endwell
Central School District from 1999 to 2004, was to be a supportive teach-
er and a visible presence at school plays, concerts and games; he was a
wonderful administrator who was impassioned about education; and
WHEREAS, During his 34-year educational career, he also worked as
Superintendent of the Delhi Central School District, as Principal in the
Susquehanna Valley and Binghamton school districts, and as a Physical
Education teacher and coach in Binghamton, New York; and
WHEREAS, At Maine-Endwell, Gary R. Worden oversaw the start of a full-
day kindergarten program and the development of a process to use data to
pinpoint students' weaknesses on standardized tests; and
WHEREAS, He also helped found the district's Dollars for Scholars
chapter and oversaw a successful capital project; one of his strengths
was creating a "risk-free environment" that allowed other administrators
to think outside the box; and
WHEREAS, Gary R. Worden's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Henry J. Worden, Gary R. Worden is
survived by his loving wife, Elaine (Donovan) Worden; his mother, Celia
Ann Worden; sons, Matthew (Catherine) Worden, Patrick Worden, and Micha-
el Worden; step-daughters, Elysa Donovan and Suzanne (Stacey) Murray;
brother, Jack (Darlene) Worden; and sisters, Patricia Senecal and Sharon
(James) White; as well as several nieces, nephews and many dear friends;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Gary R. Worden 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 Gary R. Worden, former Maine-Endwell Central School
District Superintendent, 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 Gary R. Worden.