LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Richard R. Abrams, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body mourns the death of Richard
R. Abrams, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community;
and
WHEREAS, Richard R. Abrams of Lackawanna, New York, tragically lost
his life to senseless gun violence the evening of August 25, 2013, at
the age of 30; and
WHEREAS, A former All-Western New York basketball standout, Richard
R."Richie" Abrams was well-known throughout the Lackawanna, New York,
community for his excellent sports skills on the basketball court and on
the football field, as well as for his respectful manner and ability to
get along well with others; and
WHEREAS, Richard Abrams was an athlete from the second he was given a
ball to bounce or a pass to catch; and
WHEREAS, Richard Abrams was raised in Lackawanna; he was a graduate of
Lackawanna High School where he played on the school basketball team,
the Steelers, for four years; and
WHEREAS, As a senior for the Steelers, Richard Abrams was a fourth-
team All-Western New York selection in 2002; that year, his 1,243 points
put him among the top five players at the Steelers program; and
WHEREAS, Richard Abrams was possibly the quickest player in Western
New York, and was counted on to carry the scoring burden for his team;
when Lackawanna needed a basket, he would find a way to get one, averag-
ing, 18 points, 3.1 steals, and four rebounds per game; and
WHEREAS, Richard Abrams distinguished himself in his athletic endeav-
ors and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, After high school, Richard Abrams went on to play ball for
Erie Community College, and semi-pro football with the Lackawanna Dynas-
ty and South Buffalo Celtics; and
WHEREAS, Richard Abrams was a dedicated, talented athlete, with
tremendous team spirit and a commitment to excellence; he brought light
and energy into the lives of everyone he touched; and
WHEREAS, Richard Abrams is survived by his parents, a son, two broth-
ers, and a host of extended family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard R. Abrams 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
mourn the death of Richard R. Abrams, 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 Richard R. Abrams.