Senate Resolution No. 3284

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MOURNING the death of Gerard Grace, retired
Binghamton Police Officer, family man and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Gerard Grace was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Gerard Grace, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Gerard "Jerry" Grace of Binghamton, New York, died on
Friday, June 19, 2020, at the age of 69, after a heroic battle with
cancer; and

WHEREAS, Born to Bill and Kay Grace in Binghamton, New York, on
April 20, 1951, Gerard Grace attended Catholic schools where he excelled
in cross country and track, holding the record for the mile for many
years; furthermore, as a basketball player he earned the nickname
Leapin' Leon for his abilities at the rim; and

WHEREAS, Gerard Grace went on to earn a degree in Hotel Restaurant
Management from Sullivan County Community College; his infamous red
Mustang took him on many adventures away from home, but his heart and
love belonged to Binghamton, where he reconnected with his high school
sweetheart, Nancy; and

WHEREAS, Gerard Grace distinguished himself in his profession as a
Binghamton Police Officer and by his sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; his commitment to
excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of
enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Upon retiring from the Binghamton Police Department after a
distinguished 29-year career as a patrolman, Gerard Grace began a second
career as a part-time substitute teacher's aide for the Binghamton
School District; and

WHEREAS, Spending time with his family meant the world to him; they
traveled yearly to the Jersey Shore and the Gettysburg battlefield,
where he instilled in his children his passion for history; and

WHEREAS, Gerard Grace was an amazing man, gifted with humor,
compassion, introspection, style and grace; his daughters were his pride
and joy, he loved spending time with family, enjoying his pets, playing
the guitar, barbequing, a cold Labatt's, landscaping, home improvements,
a good round of golf, and the Mets; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his life was a portrait of service, a legacy
which will long endure the passing of time, and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, William and Kathryn; and
brother-in-law, James; Gerard Grace is survived by his beloved wife,
Nancy (Stein); two daughters, Aimee (Ernest) and Melanie; siblings,
William (Nancy), Mary Beth (Kate), and Patti Ann (Mickey); and his
sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Grant), Thomas (Lisa), Carol (Mark),
Rosemary (Joe), and Delorme; he was also beloved by many nieces,
nephews, great-nieces and nephews, loyal cousins, and faithful friends;
and

WHEREAS, Gerard Grace name is synonymous with character, dignity,
intellect, depth and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all
those who were fortunate enough to have known him; 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 to
mourn the death of Gerard Grace, retired Binghamton Police Officer,
family man 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 Gerard Grace.