LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of David Gerald Jay, prominent
Buffalo attorney, champion of civil rights 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, David Gerald Jay of Buffalo, New York, died on Tuesday, May
18, 2010, at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, A prominent Buffalo lawyer who became nationally known as a
champion of civil rights, David G. Jay was born in Waterbury, Connecti-
cut; he moved with his parents to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to
Buffalo, New York, as a child; and
WHEREAS, David G. Jay was a 1967 graduate of the University of Buffalo
Law School; a practicing lawyer for more than 40 years, he was also a
former City of Tonawanda judge who had been serving as Tonawanda's
prosecutor in addition to managing his own busy criminal and civil prac-
tice in downtown Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, David G. Jay distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, David G. Jay's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his illus-
trious legal career, David G. Jay was honored with the 2009 Lawyer of
the Year Award from the Bar Association of Erie County; moreover, he
received a standing ovation when presented with the distinguished award;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Hyman Jay, and his sister, Deborah
J. Curtin, David G. Jay is survived by his mother, Dorothy Jay; his wife
of 26 years, Tina Block Jay; three daughters, Hope R. Jay, Melissa
(James) Jay-Orser and Ariane (Jharon) Jay-Silva; seven grandchildren;
and his brother Daniel R. Jay; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews
and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, David G. Jay 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; and
WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life of service on behalf of his family,
career and community, David G. Jay distinguished himself daily as a
public servant; a man of values and commitment whose warm smile and true
compassion were generously given for the benefit of his community and
its quality of life for others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of David Gerald Jay, and expressing its deepest condo-
lences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of David Gerald Jay.