LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Richard Worrell, beloved
cook of P.S. 29 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 Worrell of Brooklyn, New York, died on Wednesday, May
26, 2010, at the age of 43; and
WHEREAS, A native of Barbados, Richard Worrell was employed as the
cook at Public School 29 in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, He was rarely seen without a broad smile, and he knew every
student's name after just one introduction; he also knew their parents'
names; in a school with 659 students, many of whom do not eat the
school's lunch, it was a feat that made many marvel; and
WHEREAS, Richard Worrell redefined what students, teachers and parents
thought of as a cafeteria worker; after serving lunch, Mr. Worrell,
known by all as Richard, roamed through the cafeteria chatting with the
students; if a fussy eater refused the hot meal, he would fix that
student a cheese sandwich; or if he sensed a child did not have enough
to eat at home, he risked getting in trouble with the school staff to
send the child home with leftovers; and
WHEREAS, Richard Worrell distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, He loved cooking for the children; nothing could keep him
away from them; he also worked part-time at a shelter for the homeless;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to all the students, faculty, staff, and PTA of
P.S. 29, Richard Worrell will be sorely missed by his family in New York
and Barbados; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, at P.S. 29's spring concert, the final song,
"When the Saints Go Marching In," was dedicated to Richard Worrell; all
the children from the school cheered, clapped and stomped their feet in
honor of their friend; and
WHEREAS, Richard Worrell was so integral to the P.S. 29 community that
Melanie Raneri Woods, the principal, said "He was P.S. 29. He epitomized
the importance of relationships"; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard Worrell 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 Richard Worrell, beloved cook of P.S. 29 and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Richard Worrell and members of the P.S. 29
community.