LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Bruce Drazen of Binghamton,
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York whose life and
endeavors testify to their commitment to, and love of, their family and
their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that this Legislative Body records the
passing of Bruce Drazen of Binghamton, New York, on April 10, 2012, at
age 76, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors
contributed so much to the quality of life of his family and his commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Although he worked hard, nothing was more important to Bruce
Drazen than his family; he was a loving husband, father, grandfather,
brother and friend with an open, large, and generous heart; and
WHEREAS, Bruce A. Drazen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, broth-
er and friend, passed away on April 10, 2012, surrounded by family and
friends; and
WHEREAS, Along with his family and friends, the Southern Tier mourns
the death of an icon of the Binghamton business community; and
WHEREAS, The son of A. Murphy and Mildred Drazen, Bruce Drazen was
born in Miami, Florida on November 9, 1935 and was a lifelong resident
of Binghamton, New York; he graduated from Binghamton Central High
School in 1953 and attended Syracuse and Tulane Universities before
entering the family business, Drazen's City of Fashion, a prominent
staple of downtown Binghamton for more than 70 years, which had been
established by his grandparents, Louis and Rose Drazen; and
WHEREAS, For decades Drazen's sparkled as the reigning retailer for
Binghamton's women; it provided great customer service; buses filled
with women came to Drazen's so they put in a restaurant in the basement;
the women would come and order food and cocktails and would stay there
all day; and
WHEREAS, Drazen's popularity and business also grew with the Drazen
family's one-of-a-kind show: "Fashions For Milady"; and
WHEREAS, The early days of WBNF radio were filled with the legendary
Drazen family and Bruce Drazen and his father essentially merged the
medium of television and retail merchandising in a way which had not
been done before; and
WHEREAS, Aside from keeping up on the latest fashions, Bruce Drazen
considered fatherhood to be his greatest achievement; he often said
there was nothing like having kids and he just loved being a dad and a
grandfather; and
WHEREAS, After more than 70 years, Drazen's closed, but Bruce refused
to quit as a businessman; he opened several smaller restaurants and bars
in the area and eventually settled into local real estate; he always
kept his ears, though, to the downtown streets, reaching back to inspire
newcomers; and
WHEREAS, While Bruce Drazen and his store may be gone, his memory will
live forever in Binghamton history; and
WHEREAS, Bruce Drazen was predeceased by his parents, A. Murphy and
Mildred Drazen, as well as his first wife, Cynthia Walter Drazen; he was
the proud patriarch of his family and is survived by his loving wife of
45 years, Rosaleen Drazen and his seven children and 10 grandchildren:
Jane and Steven Lawless and their children Emma and Ben; Douglas Walter
and Kristen Drazen and their daughter Cynthia; Joanne and Paul Sweeney
and their daughter Lacy; Melissa Drazen-Smith and Tom Smith and their
children Maura and Connell; Brock Drazen; Sean and Molly McAleavey and

their son Liam; and Alexander and Katherine Drazen and their children
Dexter, Zack and Scarlet; and a legion of friends who, like his family,
returned his love in overflowing measure; and
WHEREAS, Bruce Drazen had a gift for enriching the lives of those he
touched; he was kind, thoughtful and intelligent and made everyone feel
inspired and special; his legacy will forever live on through his family
and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life, Bruce Drazen distinguished himself
as a man of sincere dedication and substantial contribution; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Bruce Drazen, to celebrate his life, and to
honor his accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Bruce Drazen.