LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Francis E. Grubham, distin-
guished 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, Francis E. Grubham of Kirkwood, New York, died on Sunday,
March 21, 2010, at the age of 93; and
WHEREAS, Born December 19, 1916, Francis E. Grubham started in his
teenage years working with his father, a Carpenter and Cabinet Maker,
until he was nearly 90-years-old; and
WHEREAS, Francis E. Grubham worked in the construction industry,
rising from a Carpenter to an Estimator and Project Manager with VJ
Smith Inc. in the Building Construction field to General Manager of
Howard and Sprague Inc., an excavation, sewer and water company; he
formed his own excavation business in 1963; and
WHEREAS, After closing his company, Francis E. Grubham eventually
started an estimating-consulting business and continued with that
profession until he was in his late eighties; and
WHEREAS, Francis E. Grubham was highly respected in the construction
industry and his expertise was sought after by all in that trade; and
WHEREAS, Francis E. Grubham distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; he was instrumental in starting the first
youth programs for the Town of Kirkwood, coached girls softball, little
league baseball and town team baseball; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served as the Town of Kirkwood Supervisor and
a Broome County Board of Supervisors member from 1967-1970; Town Plan-
ning Board member and Chairman from 1970-2007; and Board of Assessment
Review member from 1993-2006; Francis was also a member of Broome Metro-
politan Transportation Study, the Board of Directors for SEPP Housing
Group, and the Kirkwood Lions Club; a Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of
Free Masons; held numerous positions with Contractors Groups; and was a
50-year member of Carpenters Local 281; and
WHEREAS, Francis E. Grubham was honored when the Town of Kirkwood
declared July 7, 2009, as Francis E. Grubham Day for his many contrib-
utions to the town and its people; and
WHEREAS, A congregant of Trinity Memorial Church in Binghamton, Fran-
cis E. Grubham earned great affection from his friends with his warm
smile, cheerful disposition and helpfulness to all who needed it; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Betty; his parents,
Clarence Elmer and Leah; and his brother, Harold, Francis E. Grubham is
survived by his sons, Wayne and Lewis Grubham; and his wife, Ellen; his
grandchildren, Todd Grubham, Lori Nemcek, Danny Grubham, Stacey Kopcho,
and Rebecca Becker; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grand-
children; several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Sharon Bron-
son; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Francis E. Grubham 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 Francis E. Grubham, 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 Francis E. Grubham.