LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert J. Moppert, distin-
guished 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, Robert J. Moppert of Binghamton, New York, died on Wednesday,
December 7, 2011, at the age of 69; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert earned his AAS in Business Management from
Broome Community College and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science
degree with high honors from Binghamton University, Watson School; and
WHEREAS, He served his country as a member of the United States Navy
from 1959 until being honorably discharged in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert was a past co-owner with his good friend
Jim Wardell of Mapes Mayflower Moving Company; he also owned several
other small businesses in the Binghamton area during his 20 year career
in business including Caroline's Convenience Store, Endicott Trucking
Company, Tri-Cities Warehouse Company, Chenango Ice Rink Concession, All
Pro Sports/Sporting Goods, and Brite Spot Restaurants; and
WHEREAS, A genuine Southern Tier leader, Robert J. Moppert distin-
guished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and
substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; he worked for
decades to build the community he loved so much whether as a civic lead-
er or an economic strategist and retired as Director of Economic Devel-
opment for New York State; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert first became involved in public service as
a member of his town Parks and Recreation Commission; he then served on
the town Zoning Board of Appeals, before becoming a member of the Board
of Directors of the Veteran's Memorial Arena, serving as Chairman of the
Board in 1986; and
WHEREAS, That same year, Robert J, Moppert first ran for public office
and was elected as a member of the Broome County Legislature; in 1988,
during his first term on the Board, he was chosen as Majority Leader of
the county legislature and was the only freshman legislator to ever
serve in that capacity; and
WHEREAS, During his career on the county legislature, Robert J.
Moppert served a full term on the Finance Committee, Chaired the Parks,
Education and Recreation Committee, Chaired the 911 Committee as he
brought 911 service to reality -- a culmination of his 20 year fight to
install 911, and he has served as Co-Chair of the Charter Revision
Commission; and
WHEREAS, Among Robert J. Moppert's other accomplishments as a member
of the county legislature are his successful fight to provide county
funding for the Health/Science Center at Broome Community College and
his leadership in providing a modern Public Safety Center, including a
400 bed jail and a public safety facility; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, a leader in the fight for mandatory recycling in
Broome County, Robert J. Moppert was an active proponent of the County
Recycling Center which opened in July of 1992; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert also ran in both 1992 and 1994 as a candi-
date for Congressman, representing the 26th Congressional District; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, This benevolent man, who was always a cheerleader for both
organizations and people he cared about, was an active Board Member of

the Sheltered Workshop, a trustee of Broome Community College, and
former Broome County Legislator; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert J. Moppert was a Past President of the
Hillcrest Rotary; District Governor of Rotary International from
1985-1986; former Director of Southern Tier Zoological Society, Wyoming
Conference Children's Home, and Pathfinder Village Foundation; Chairman
of the Broome County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council; Former
Executive Board Member of the Susquenango Council Boy Scouts of America;
Director of the New York State Easter Seals Society; Curriculum Advisory
Board, Broome Community College; Director, Broome County YMCA; Director,
PROBE; and Awards Chairman, Chenango Forks Dollars for Scholars; he was
also the organist for the Broome Dusters and Binghamton Mets; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert was the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades, some of which include: Rotarian of the Year; Small Business
Person of the Year; Service Award by the Susquenango Council BSA; Volun-
teer of the Year by the New York State Easter Seals Society; Outstanding
Achievement As An Entrepreneur by Broome Community College; Rotarian of
the Year by District 717 Rotary International; New York State Grange
Citizenship Award; and the Rotary Foundation: "Citation for Meritorious
Service"; and
WHEREAS, A loving grandfather and avid Red Sox fan, Robert J. Moppert
enjoyed meeting with the Thursday morning CV alumni group and also meet-
ing Thursday nights at "The Table of Knowledge"; most of all, he truly
enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Moppert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Caro-
line Moppert, his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Tracey Moppert Sr.;
his grandchildren, Vanessa Moppert, Kevin Moppert Jr., Mason, Nicholas,
Patrick, Michael and Christopher; and his great-grandchildren, Madison
and Dominick; as well as a sister and brother-in-law, Lee and Bill
Merrell and several nieces and nephews; he was predeceased by his son,
Gregg Moppert; his parents, Margaret and Joseph Moppert; sister and
brother-in-law, Betty and Leo Heffernan; and a brother, William Moppert;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert J. Moppert leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
be served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert J. Moppert, 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 Robert J. Moppert.