Senate Resolution No. 299

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Blondine Harvin, renowned
restaurateur, selfless humanitarian and devoted
member of her community

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Blondine Harvin, who died on Wednesday, January
16, 2019, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Blondine Harvin was born to the late Rochester and Sarah
(Anthony) Davis on August 9, 1938, in Buffalo, New York; after
graduating from Fosdick-Masten Park High School, she worked as a
secretary in the Jefferson Avenue offices of A&P; and

WHEREAS, Eventually, Blondine Harvin decided to take a chance and
purchased Gigi's restaurant on the same street; later, she relocated the
business to 257 East Ferry Street, and renovated it in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Gigi's quickly became known as the place to enjoy authentic
soul food; everyone from the homeless to the famous enjoyed her
delicious home-cooked meals such as macaroni and cheese, sweet potato
pie, smothered pork chops and peach cobbler; and

WHEREAS, A faithful congregant of True Bethel Baptist Church,
Blondine Harvin's door was always open to those who were in desperate
need of a hot meal, and she treated each and every one of her customers
with kindness and respect; she was also very good to her employees;
during tough times, she made sure each and every one of them was paid
before she collected her check; and

WHEREAS, After a fire destroyed Gigi's in November of 2015, it was
selected to occupy 3,900 square feet in the Northland Workforce Training
Center; unfortunately, Blondine Harvin passed away before she would see
her beloved restaurant reopen; and

WHEREAS, Blondine Harvin truly led by example, and in doing so, has
left a lasting impact on the City of Buffalo, the county of Erie, and
New York State as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her parents; three sisters, Doris, Maxine
and Marilyn; and one brother, John, Blondine Harvin is survived by her
two sons, Darryl and Alfonzo; one brother, Rochester, Jr.; and four
grandchildren, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, who will
long cherish her memory; and


WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion and determination, Blondine
Harvin's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a successful
proprietor; her sincere concern for others; her integrity, unconditional
friendship and selfless motivation to give of herself, will long stand
as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Blondine Harvin, renowned restaurateur, selfless
humanitarian and devoted member of her community, recognizing the
significance of her exemplary record of her service to the residents of
Buffalo; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Blondine Harvin.