LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr.
Gregory L. Kustas, distinguished 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, Dr. Gregory L. Kustas, of Amherst, New York, died on February
7, 2016, at the age of 93; and
WHEREAS, Gregory L. Kustas was born on November 21, 1922, in Pough-
keepsie, New York; he proudly served his country as a member of the
United States Army during World War II and received an honorable
discharge as a Tech Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, He developed a love for learning, books, and the Classics; he
received both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Classics from
Cornell University; he went on to earned his PhD. in Greek Classics from
Harvard University, completing his dissertation on Orthodox Patriarch
Photios' library in Constantinople; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gregory L. Kustas shared his passion with thousands of
students at the University of Buffalo for 38 years, from 1954 until his
retirement on August 26, 1992; he chaired the Classics Department and
was a member of the Faculty Senate and University Senate; during this
time, he was a Fulbright Scholar, conducting research in Athens and
Mount Athos, Greece; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gregory L. Kustas was the author of numerous books,
reviews and articles, on Greek Classics and Rhetoric, and was known to
enjoy art, classical and folk music, reading, and baseball; and
WHEREAS, His greatest joy was his family; predeceased by his wife,
Maria, and his brother, Nicholas, Dr. Gregory L. Kustas is survived by
his son, Andrew Kustas; his grandson, Jordan; his sister, Maria Mavo-
dones and brother-in-law Zinas Mavodones; and his nieces, Catina (Micha-
el) Daly, Nike (Tony) Beaudry, and Eirene Mavodones; as well as several
grandnieces and nephews, including Maia and Zachary Beaudry, Zoe Daly,
and Jonah and Timothy Libens; and
WHEREAS, A man with such devotion to country, service and family, Dr.
Gregory L. Kustas leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he loved,
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Gregory L. Kustas, 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 Dr. Gregory L. Kustas.