LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Victor L. Peterson, 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, Victor Peterson of Williamsville, New York, died on Wednes-
day, June 23, 2010, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Victor Peterson distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Victor Peterson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Victor Peterson graduated from Bowling Green State University
and served four years of active service in the United States Navy; he
joined the family business, MJ Peterson Real Estate in 1946, after grad-
uating from college, and eventually became chief executive officer of
the company, which is now in its fourth generation of business in West-
ern New York; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Peterson pioneered federally assisted housing, winning
the Urban Land Institute Award for excellence in inner city revitaliza-
tion efforts; the company was also involved in senior citizen housing in
the region; and
WHEREAS, Victor Peterson was a member of the Buffalo Niagara Associ-
ation of Realtors, past president of the Buffalo Niagara Builders Asso-
ciation and an honorary life director of the National Association of
Home Builders; he was also an active member of the Kenmore Rotary Club
and the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Advisory Board, among other clubs and
organizations; and
WHEREAS, Victor Peterson received the Man of the Year award in 1980
along with the Distinguished Business Award in 1983 from the Amherst
Chamber of Commerce; in 2001, he was inducted into the New York State
Builders Hall of Fame, and, in February of 2008, he received the Life-
time Achievement Award from the New York State Commercial Association of
Realtors; and
WHEREAS, Victor Peterson is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Victor;
daughter, Jeanne Orton; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren;
brother, Gordon; and many nieces and nephews; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Victor L. Peterson, 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 Victor L. Peterson.