Senate Resolution No. 2555

BY: Senator BRESLIN

MOURNING the death of former New York State
Senator Jerome L. Wilson, dedicated political leader
and strong advocate for the people of this great
Empire State

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication
whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Jerome L. Wilson, a former resident of New York City, died
on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Linwood Wilson was born to William and Hazel
(Hutchins) Wilson on July 16, 1931, in Washington, D.C.; after
graduating from Howe Military Academy, he earned his Bachelor of Arts
degree in English from Colgate University; and

WHEREAS, Jerome L. Wilson proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Air Force until 1957; upon completion of his military
service, he worked in public relations for six years with the National
Urban League; and

WHEREAS, In 1963, Jerome L. Wilson began his career in politics when
he was elected to the New York State Senate, representing Manhattan's
22nd District, and later, the 30th District; and

WHEREAS, As Chair of the Public Welfare Committee, Senator Jerome L.
Wilson championed initiatives to amend the law on September 1, 1967,
adding four new grounds for divorce: cruel treatment, abandonment for
two years, the sentencing of a spouse to prison for five years or more,
and a couple's living voluntarily apart for at least two years; and

WHEREAS, After three terms, Senator Jerome L. Wilson became an
on-air news correspondent for WCBS-TV in New York, and then assumed the
position of Political Editor; and

WHEREAS, While serving in the Senate and working on television,
Senator Jerome L. Wilson furthered his education by obtaining his Juris
Doctor degree from New York University School of Law, and in 1973,
joined the firm of Rogers & Wells, where he practiced until 1999; during
this time, he also served as counsel to the former New York News
Publishers Association; and

WHEREAS, Senator Jerome L. Wilson is survived by his wife, Ursula
Anna (Thron) Wilson; four daughters, Janet, Sarah, Marion and Emma; two
stepsons, Christian and Dirk; six grandchildren; and four
step-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Senator Jerome L. Wilson was a resolute and great voice for
Manhattan's East Side and New York State as a whole; his zeal and
dedication to his constituents, his ability to put together deals, and

his vision for the future helped his community persevere during a time
when the State was the last one to uphold an 18th Century law limiting
the grounds for divorce; and

WHEREAS, Loyal friend, trusted advisor, ardent fighter for the
causes in which he so strongly believed, the accomplishments of Senator
Jerome L. Wilson are legend; and

WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment that Senator Jerome L. Wilson brought to his work as a
legislator and public policy-maker; this remarkable man will be deeply
missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations in a
moment of silent tribute to Senator Jerome L. Wilson, whose unselfish
concern for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so
fortunate to have called him family, colleague and friend, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former New York State Senator Jerome L. Wilson,
dedicated political leader and strong advocate for the people of this
great Empire State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Senator Jerome L. Wilson.