LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert S. Guskind, talented
journalist, author, photographer, editor 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, Robert S. Guskind of Brooklyn, New York, formerly of Clifton,
New Jersey, and Washington, DC, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at the
age of 50; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 19, 1958, Robert S. Guskind grew up in Clif-
ton, New Jersey; in 1976, he graduated with honors from Clifton High
School, and attended Georgetown University's College of Arts and
Science, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Robert S. Guskind's journalism career began with the NATIONAL
JOURNAL in Washington, DC, and contributed to the syndicated columns for
the WASHINGTON POST Writers Group; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding journal-
istic writings, Robert S. Guskind co-authored a book entitled BREAK-
THROUGHS: RECREATING THE AMERICAN CITY, in which he tracked urban
success stories across America, from New York City to Lincoln, Nebraska,
to Boston's Southwest Corridor; furthermore, he wrote occasional arti-
cles for the WASHINGTON POST; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, he was hired by New Community Corporation of Newark;
five years later, Robert S. Guskind created the Gowanus Lounge, a commu-
nity blog, that covered, through words and pictures, whatever moved him,
with a particular focus on New York City as it is today and as it is
becoming; the focus was on Brooklyn -- and particularly Gowanus, Red
Hook, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg and
Dumbo; this first blog gave him the position of the Brooklyn editor for
CURBED OF NYC; and
WHEREAS, The Gowanus Lounge blog was a community resource that
empowered and entertained the local community with intelligence, wit and
incisiveness; and
WHEREAS, Robert S. Guskind distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Robert S. Guskind's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; he brought community groups together by
providing a Brooklyn-wide context, he empowered the community, and most
of all, he was incredibly kind and always listened and offered advice,
but never told anyone what they should or should not do; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Jack Guskind, Robert S. Guskind is
survived by his wife, Olivia Kissin; his mother, Sally Bellanca Guskind;
his sister, Sharon Vitale; brother-in-law, Chris; niece, Shawna; and
nephews, Travis and Eric; and his stepsister, Gia Rose Guskind; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Robert S. Guskind 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 Robert S. Guskind, talented journalist, author,
photographer, editor 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 Robert S. Guskind.