LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Jack J. Sissman, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his commu-
nity

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, Jack J. Sissman of Latham, New York, died on Friday, January
21, 2011, at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 1, 1932 in the Bronx, Jack J. Sissman attended
the New York City Public School System and graduated from James Monroe
High School, Bronx, New York; and
WHEREAS, After a short enrollment at New York University, Jack J.
Sissman enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his Presi-
dent and country during The Korean War as a signalman aboard the USS
Samuel N. Moore; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his tour of duty, Jack J. Sissman
resumed his academic career at New York University, ultimately graduat-
ing from its law school and earning his Juris Doctorate; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, Jack J. Sissman married the love of his life C. Edna
Rios; he began his legal career with his own law practice in which he
served the needs of the people of New York City; he served as a counse-
lor to the New York City Youth Board, and then as Clerk to a New York
City Court Judge, and later took a job as an attorney with the American
Federation of Teachers; and
WHEREAS, Jack J. Sissman distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contributions to the welfare
of his community; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Jack J. Sissman accepted a job with the office of
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and moved the family from New
York City to Albany; he then returned to private practice concentrating
on the areas of employment law; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his law practice, Jack J. Sissman had numerous
other passions and interests; an avid outdoorsman, he took great pleas-
ure in fishing, camping and hiking; and
WHEREAS, Jack J. Sissman's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, As a youth, Jack J. Sissman was a Boy Scout who was chosen to
join the Order of the Arrow; his interest in scouting continued into his
adult life, and at one time he served as a scoutmaster of Troop 277 in
Latham; in this capacity he led his son, Daniel, and the other boys of
Troop 277 on numerous adventures and trips such as the Adirondacks; and
WHEREAS, Jack J. Sissman, who was also a proud Rotarian, hosted inter-
national Rotarians when they visited the Capital Region; furthermore, he
was a member of the Masonic Temple Washington Lodge in Albany; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Jack J. Sissman was a member of the Anti-Defamation
League of the B'Nai B'rith and appeared frequently on the local airwaves
as an advocate against bigotry; he was a member of the Knights of Pythi-
as, and Congregation Beth-Emeth where he served on its board as chair-
man; and
WHEREAS, As chairman of the Social Action Committee, he began the
Congregation Beth Emeth Soup Kitchen in 1985; he was solely responsible
for making the Albany soup kitchen available seven days a week as well
as inspiring other volunteers to join in the effort; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Betty, and his parents, Louis and
Minnie, Jack J. Sissman is survived by his loving wife of 51 years,
Edna, their two sons, Matthew and Daniel, and one daughter-in-law,
Megan; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Jack J. Sissman 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 pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Jack J. Sissman, distin-
guished 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 Jack J. Sissman.