LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Dr. Henry E. Bembenista,
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, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista of Kaisertown, New York, died on
Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista attended
city schools and is a graduate of Canisius College; he received his DDS
degree from the University of Buffalo in 1944; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista was commissioned an
Army first lieutenant and proudly served as a dental surgeon with the
100th and 3rd Infantry divisions in Europe during the last stages of
World War II; and
WHEREAS, After the war, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista joined Adam Plewacki
Post 799, one of the nation's largest American Legion posts, and became
vice commander; he won four consecutive state Legion Americanism awards,
was a director of the New York Boys State program and held several coun-
ty and district Legion offices; he was a charter member of Sons of Amer-
ican Legion Post 799; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista practiced dentistry at 2064 Clinton
St. in the East Side neighborhood known as Kaisertown and lived in West
Seneca; he was president of the National Medical and Dental Association
in the mid-1960s and headed the East Clinton Professional and Business-
men's Association in 1991; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista was a member of the
county, district and state dental societies, the American Dental Associ-
ation and many professional and business groups; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, An award-winning stamp collector, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista
also won numerous bowling trophies and was an amateur magician; he was a
past president of the Filareal Literary and Medical Arts Societies of
Buffalo and the Dental Study Club of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Embodying countless attributes, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista truly
exemplified what it means to give of oneself and was a beautiful light
in the lives of all those with whom he came in contact; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his
daughter, Cynthia J. (Norman) Kraft; his three sons, Paul (Dorian), Ret.
Lt. Col. Marcus, and Bruce R. (Diane) Bembenista; his four grandchil-
dren; and his sister, Rita Rider; as well as several nieces and nephews;
he was predeceased by his brother, Dr. John K. Bembenista; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Dr. Henry E. Bembenista
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 Dr. Henry E. Bembenista, 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 Dr. Henry E. Bembenista.