Senate Resolution No. 2757

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Mark D. Croce, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

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 man of indomitable faith and dedication whose
public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a
paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce, a true pillar in his community of Buffalo
and Western New York, passed away at the age of 58; and

WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce started off his career in hospitality as a
dishwasher, and at his family's restaurant Otto's; this incredible work
ethic would lead him to become one of Buffalo's most loved and
well-known entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, The ultimate entrepreneur, Mark D. Croce was the owner of
such Buffalo staples as, Statler City, Buffalo Chophouse, Curtiss Hotel,
The Franklin Room, D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub, SkyBar and the Buckin
Buffalo Saloon, as well as Laughlin's, which he opened with his brother,
Scott; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Mark D. Croce was a former Niagara Frontier Transportation
Authority (NFTA) Commissioner, a member of the Western New York Chapter
of the New York Restaurant Association and former Vice President of the
Buffalo Police Foundation; he also served on the Board of Directors for
Buffalo Place, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce served as a valuable member of the Erie
County Sheriff's Department with the office's reserve aviation unit; he
also participated in the FBI's citizen academy; and

WHEREAS, Through his Buffalo Development Corporation, Mark D. Croce
invested substantial funds into the redevelopment of many of Buffalo's
architectural treasures, including Statler City, Curtiss Hotel, Buffalo
Chophouse, Emerson School of Hospitality, and buildings in Allentown and
along Delaware Avenue; and

WHEREAS, In his role as a civic leader, Mark D. Croce was a part of
the effort to create a second Emerson School of Hospitality, where
students will soon learn skills that will give them a chance to be a
part of downtown's continuing resurgence; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he established partnerships with many of the
region's largest development and architectural firms to ensure the
success of these redevelopment projects; and

WHEREAS, A true visionary with a larger than life personality, Mark
D. Croce was committed to making things happen in Downtown Buffalo, and
was an integral part of its resurgence, adding jobs and creating
destinations which have brought many visitors to the area; and


WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce always went above and beyond, from mentoring
young entrepreneurs and restauranteurs, to reinvesting across Buffalo
and New York State, he gave so much back to his community; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his countless successful business endeavors,
Mark D. Croce was a pilot, using this outlet to seek out new concepts
and trends for his properties in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a father to his two boys, Dominic and Dante,
and a husband to his loving wife, Jessica; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Mark D. Croce leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Mark D. Croce, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Mark D. Croce.