Senate Resolution No. 1538

BY: Senator COMRIE

HONORING Richard Gibbs upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the New York
State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019

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 Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Richard
Gibbs upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers'
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in
The Egg, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, As the founder/president of the 415 Lefferts Avenue Tenants
Association, Richard Gibbs spent much time representing elderly tenants
in Court for landlord disputes; the Association was awarded the 1977
Self Help Neighborhood Award for converting a vacant lot into a sitting
area for residents; and

WHEREAS, Richard Gibbs was President of the Queens Community Club
for five years; with other NAACP members, he picketed for community
based jobs at various sites, including Aqueduct Raceway (Resort World);
participated in a protest against private developers attempting to seize
the St. Albans Veterans Administration Hospital property; and worked on
voter registration drives, and transported people in need of rides to
their voting polls; and

WHEREAS, As President of the Independent Real Estate Brokers Council
(IREB), Richard Gibbs fought against redlining by banks, and counselled
many, especially older adults, against mortgage scams; and

WHEREAS, As a member of two senior center boards, Richard Gibbs is
still advocating for seniors; for approximately five years, he provided
LaGuardia Community College students summer internships at his real
estate office; and

WHEREAS, Richard Gibbs has also participated in several youth
mentoring programs and, as an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, he
awards an annual $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior
involved in community volunteerism; and


WHEREAS, Furthermore, 80 year-old Richard Gibbs provides workshops
on what to do "when stopped by the police" and is an active member of
the Community Partner Program with the 113th Precinct; and

WHEREAS, Richard Gibbs was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York; he
served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from April
1958 to June 1962; he then moved to Manhattan and entered Columbia
University in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Richard Gibbs met his future wife, Brenda, at Columbia
University who had come to New York to pursue her master's degree; he
was called to the New York City Police Department in 1966, and
subsequently left Columbia University and return to Brooklyn to attend
the Policy Academy; and

WHEREAS, Brenda and Richard were married in 1968, and together are
the proud parents of three children, Gigi, Peter, and Brendan; and

WHEREAS, Working nights and weekends on the Police Force gave
Richard Gibbs little time to spend with his young children, so he left
the Police Department and went to work at the Court as a Court Officer
where he was able to spend more time with his family; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Richard and Brenda Gibbs reside in the same
house in Queens they bought 40 years ago; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Richard Gibbs has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Richard Gibbs, a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his
volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of
experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Gibbs upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard Gibbs.