LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of William E. Van Atta,
distinguished 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, William E. Van Atta of Binghamton, New York, died on Thurs-
day, March 31, 2011, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Cornell University's class of 1941, William E.
Van Atta served four and one half-years as a member of the United States
Navy during World War II; and
WHEREAS, William E. Van Atta distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, William E. Van Atta spent his entire business career as an
automobile dealer that began by joining his longtime friend and associ-
ate, Robert F. Schumann; together they formed Schumann Van Atta Buick in
1958, which later became Van Atta Buick-GMC-Suzuki; and
WHEREAS, William E. Van Atta's commitment to excellence, and his spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man served as Chairman of the Board of Manag-
ers of Binghamton General Hospital, was a member of the Lourdes Hospital
Finance Committee, and a member of the Advisory Board of the State
University at Binghamton; and
WHEREAS, In addition, William E. Van Atta headed the Van Atta Commis-
sion, a government-appointed study that recommended consolidation of
municipal services in Broome County; he was also a member of the Bing-
hamton Club, Binghamton Country Club, 21 Club, Live Wire Club, R&A Club,
and Kannabal Klub; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife, Jean Scully; his granddaugh-
ter, Virginia Pappas; his brother, Gerald; and sisters, Eleanor and
Marion, William E. Van Atta is survived by his current wife, Gertrude
Cunningham; his daughter, Carolyn (Peter) Pappas; his son, Nelson (Ann)
Van Atta, as well as seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren,
eight step-grandchildren, and 10 step-great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, William E. Van Atta 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 William E. Van Atta, 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 William E. Van Atta.