2015-J2871
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating William Night, Esq. upon the occa-
sion of celebrating his 100th Birthday
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, William Night, affectionately known as Bill, was born in
August of 1915; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Syracuse Law School, William Night was admitted
to practice law on October 6, 1938; he valiantly served his country as a
member of the United States Navy with honor and distinction during the
Second World War; and
WHEREAS, As an attorney, William Night was an outstanding trial lawyer
and was exceptionally skillful in the courtroom; he was dogmatic in
representing his clients while maintaining a sterling reputation; and
WHEREAS, William Night practiced in Binghamton, New York, for nearly
the entire length of his career; he spent more than three decades at
Night and Keller, an enduring partnership established in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career in law, William Night was
known as a premier trial attorney and primarily represented insurance
companies; he partnered with at least two future Supreme Court Judges
and several prominent attorneys; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his 70 years of private practice, William
Night also served as Regional Counsel for the Civil Service Employee
Association (CSEA) for 25 years; in that capacity, he developed an addi-
tional specialty practice in civil service and administrative law; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, William Night was a well-respected arbitrator
serving as such with, among others, AAA, the Town of Binghamton Zoning
Board of Appeals and the Appellate Division, Third Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, William Night became Regional Counsel for the State
University of New York which allowed him to develop an additional exper-
tise in educational law; as result of his broad and extensive experi-
ence, he was regularly asked to write and lecture in several areas of
the law; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, William Night has truly enriched the lives of those around
him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the
quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years;
today, he remains a voracious reader; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate William Night, Esq. upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William Night, Esq.