LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of The Honorable Israel
Margolis, 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, The Honorable Israel Margolis of Binghamton, New York, died
on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Ike, Judge Israel Margolis was born
June 23, 1925 in Binghamton; he attended Binghamton public schools and
graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Judge Israel Margolis received a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Cornell University in 1947 and a Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law
School in 1950; he was managing editor of the Cornell Law Quarterly and
a member of Order of the Coif; and
WHEREAS, From 1944-1946, Judge Israel Margolis honorably served his
country as a member of the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, Judge Israel Margolis was admitted to the New York State Bar
in 1950, and later was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme
Court; and
WHEREAS, Judge Israel Margolis distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, He was a Bigelow Teaching Fellow at the University of Chicago
Law School and taught practice training at Cornell Law School; and
WHEREAS, In 1951 and 1952, Judge Israel Margolis served as Assistant
Counsel to the Subcommittee on Privileges and Elections of the United
States Senate; and
WHEREAS, Judge Israel Margolis joined the Binghamton law firm of Cher-
nin & Gold in which he was a partner from 1956-1987; he also served as a
Broome County Election Commissioner from 1974-1984; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, Judge Israel Margolis was nominated to the New York
State Court of Claims by Governor Mario Cuomo; he served as a distin-
guished Justice for the Court of Claims until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Judge Israel Margolis's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, includ-
ing charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A past President of the Broome County Bar Association, Judge
Israel Margolis also served as President of the Professional and
Advanced Gifts Divisions of the Broome County United Way campaigns and a
trustee of Temple Israel; and
WHEREAS, Judge Israel Margolis is survived by his devoted wife, Bren-
da, his beloved children; Janet (Jonathan), Michael (Maureen), Deborah
(Anne), five loving granddaughters, a sister, Helen Smelser Daube,
brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, niece and cousins; he was
predeceased by his parents Rabbi Moses and Belle Margolis and brother,
Harry; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Judge Israel Margolis 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 The Honorable Israel Margolis, 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 The Honorable Israel Margolis.