LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Charles H. Jennings, former
Lodi Town Supervisor and longtime attorney

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, Charles H. Jennings of Lodi, New York, died on Monday, Novem-
ber 1, 2010, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Born in Lodi on October 1, 1923, son of the late Charles L.
and Helen (Bainbridge) Jennings, Charles H. Jennings attended the Lodi
High School, and graduated from Ovid High School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Charles H. Jennings was drafted into the United States Army
in 1943, while attending Houghton College; he served his country as a
Sergeant with the 84th Infantry Division, and was severely wounded near
the end of World War II; subsequently, he was awarded a Purple Heart and
Bronze Star for his courage and valor; and
WHEREAS, Following a lengthy recovery in England, Charles H. Jennings
returned to Germany to work behind the lines before returning home and
continuing his education at Houghton; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Houghton in 1948, with a degree in
History, Charles H. Jennings earned a law degree from Northwestern
University in 1950, and opened a private law practice in Lodi; and
WHEREAS, Under the Rockefeller Administration, he was appointed Chief
of the Bureau of Surplus Real Property in Albany under the Department of
State in Albany and eventually Director of the Division of Land Utiliza-
tion under the Office of General Services; and
WHEREAS, Charles H. Jennings distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Charles H. Jennings's commitment to excellence, and his spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, Charles H. Jennings was elected Lodi Town Supervi-
sor; in this capacity for several terms, among many accomplishments, he
helped save the West Lodi Cemetery from neglect and financial distress;
he had also been an active member of the Interlaken Reformed Church and
a participant of the Farmerville-Union Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons; and
WHEREAS, In 1961, Charles H. Jennings married Virginia Taylor and for
20 years, they maintained homes in both Slingerlands, New York, and
Lodi, New York; and
WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from New York State, the Jennings
returned full time to Lodi while Charles devoted his time to his private
practice; and
WHEREAS, One of his greatest accomplishments was being instrumental in
the founding of the Lodi Historical Society and serving as its first
president; Lodi's red brick Methodist Church was in shambles, and it was
given to the fledgling society to prevent its destruction; and
WHEREAS, Charles H. Jennings also helped with the restoration of the
1852 E. & G. G. Hook Tracker Organ; this valuable instrument lives on to
again and again delight audiences during performances thanks to the hard
work and determination of Charles and Virginia Jennings; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Clayton, Charles H. Jennings is
survived by his wife of 49 years, Virginia "Ginny" Jennings; his daugh-
ter, Amy (Craig) Pemberton; one grandson, Joseph Craig Pemberton; a

sister, Leona Rosbaugh; and a brother, George (Lois) Jennings, as well
as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Charles H. Jennings 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; a wealth
of knowledge and a wonderful resource for the Lodi community, his joyful
presence will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Charles H. Jennings, 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 Charles H. Jennings.