Senate Resolution No. 3146

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of
Richard L. Brodsky, a well-respected former New York
State Assemblyman, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of distinguished purpose whose lives have been
committed to public service in the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Richard L. Brodsky of Greenburgh, New York, a 14-term New
York State Assemblyman, died on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at the age of
73; and

WHEREAS, Richard Louis Brodsky was born on May 4, 1946, in Manhattan
to William and Louise (Snow) Brodsky; at the young age of nine, he and
his family moved from Brooklyn to Greenburgh in Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Ardsley High School, Richard L.
Brodsky earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Brandeis
University and a law degree from Harvard Law School; and

WHEREAS, Richard L. Brodsky served as a county legislator before
being elected to the New York State Assembly representing the Lower
Hudson Valley from 1983-2010; throughout his tenure, he was a champion
of the environment, a supporter of universal internet access, and was
instrumental in empowering New York State to monitor its 700
quasi-public authorities; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Richard L. Brodsky served as Chairman of the
Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and in
2009, he sponsored legislation which established an independent
authorities budget office, which required greater transparency of
agencies that operated largely independent of state government and
subjected them to greater oversight; and

WHEREAS, Richard L. Brodsky is survived by his wife, Paige Massman
Brodsky, two daughters, Emilyn and Willie; one sister, Vicki Wessel; 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 former Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky brought to his
work as a legislator and public policy-maker; loyal friend and trusted
advisor, he 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 Richard L. Brodsky, whose unselfish concern
for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so fortunate to
have called him husband, father, colleague and friend, and to express
its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard L. Brodsky.