LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Nathan Benderson, 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, Nathan Benderson, formerly of Buffalo, New York, died on
April 7, 2012, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, A child of the Depression, Nathan Benderson founded the
Benderson Development Company, which for years was headquartered on
Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York, before relocating to Florida a
decade ago; and
WHEREAS, The Benderson Development Company includes a real estate
portfolio of more than 25 million square feet with more than 250 proper-
ties in the United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, The legacy of Nathan Benderson transcended his successful
real estate realm; he played a key role in developing the vast Weinberg
senior living center in Amherst, New York, and in contributing in a
major way to the survival of the Jewish Community Center; and
WHEREAS, As a tribute to Nathan Benderson, the Jewish Federation of
Greater Buffalo created the Nathan Benderson Leadership Award for his
decades of leadership through generous philanthropy, determination and
strong vision; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Nathan Benderson made significant contributions
to organizations such as the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo Zoo,
SPCA Serving Erie County, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Food Bank of
Western New York and Center for Hospice and Palliative Care; and
WHEREAS, Nathan Benderson is survived by his wife, Dora; his three
sons, Randall, Robert and Ronald; and by eight grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren; as well as by his close friend, Anne Virag; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Nathan Benderson 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; he will
be remembered as someone who made a positive difference in the life of
others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Nathan Benderson, 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 Nathan Benderson.