Senate Resolution No. 1433

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Joseph Reilly upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Third Age
Achievement Award for Business and Communication by
the Senior Services of Albany

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joseph Reilly upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Third Age Achievement Award for Business and Communication by the Senior
Services of Albany, to be celebrated at its 23rd Annual Awards Luncheon
on Friday, May 10, 2019, at Wolferts Roost Country Club in Albany, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious event recognizes the
contributions area residents and professionals have made in their
communities during the Third Age of their lives; Joseph Reilly is truly
deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Christian Brothers Academy, Joseph
Reilly attended Seton Hall University, where he began his long and
distinguished career in broadcasting, calling basketball games and
hosting a pre-game show with Hall of Famer Honey Russell; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Reilly then served as a disc jockey for the
African-American radio station WAAN in Annapolis, Maryland; as "Guy Joe
on the Radio," he was known for telling his listeners to "Get down, get
funky"; from there, he worked as a disc jockey in several states before
returning to his hometown; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Joseph Reilly was elected Treasurer for the New
York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA); seven years later, he
became the organization's first full-time Executive Director, the
position he would hold until his official retirement in 2011; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Joseph Reilly oversaw various initiatives
within the association including rebranding; the parity between upstate,
rural broadcasters and downstate urban broadcasters; and the creation of
a "Great Ideas Exchange," which became a series of seminars focused on
the needs to upstate broadcasters; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Reilly also introduced many new services for
broadcasters such as health insurance, internship programs, job bank,
and sales tax exemption for equipment; perhaps his biggest achievement
was his role in granting access for cameras and other recording devices
into New York Courts; and

WHEREAS, Always ready and willing to promote his community and
profession, Joseph Reilly donated his time and energies to Teresian
House of Albany, Broadcasters Foundation of America, the New York State
Partnership, Empire State Youth Advisory Board, and Christian Brothers
Academy; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to giving
back, Joseph Reilly was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades
including the Distinguished Member Award by the Empire State Society for
Association Executives (ESSAE); Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award
by Christian Brothers Academy; and the Silver Circle Award, New York
Chapter, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Joseph Reilly's great legacy, Siena
College has named two hubs of their broadcasting program in honor for
him and his late wife, Joseph A. and Carol M. Broadcast Centers; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joseph Reilly upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Third Age Achievement Award for Business and Communication by the
Senior Services of Albany; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph Reilly.