Senate Resolution No. 477

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MOURNING the death of Ron Heebner, former Broome
County Legislator, astute businessman, and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly mourn
the death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who
distinguished themselves in their profession and in service to their
community; and

WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of Ron Heebner of Johnson City, New York, on Monday, February 4, 2019,
at the age of 79, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and
endeavors contributed so much to the quality of life in his community;
and

WHEREAS, Ron Heebner was born to the late Gilbert and June Heebner
on December 1, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; up until the day he
died, he remained a diehard Eagles fan; and

WHEREAS, After high school, Ron Heebner earned his bachelor's degree
in history and political science from West Chester State University; he
also received the distinction of Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) from
the National Association of Home Builders, and was one of four in Broome
County to graduate from the Dennis A. Pellietier County Government
Institute through the New York State Association of Counties; and

WHEREAS, Ron Heebner began his long and distinguished career as a
copy kid with the Christian Science Monitor in Boston, Massachusetts; he
then became a salesman for Scott Paper Company, and later, joined Pat
Cummiskey & Son to learn the remodeling business; and

WHEREAS, After several years, Ron Heebner started his own successful
business, Ron Heebner and Company, located in Johnson City, New York; in
this capacity, he enjoyed meeting with his customers and helping them
update their homes; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Ron Heebner held the title of
President of the Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodelers Association,
and was active on its Board of Directors for 15 years; he also served on
the Government Affairs and Codes Committee, and was Editor of its
monthly newsletter; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, Ron Heebner was a vital member of the Broome
County Chamber of Commerce, and was President of the Johnson City Rotary
Club; for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community, he
was named the 2008 Rotarian of the Year and shared the 2014 Davis
College Philanthropy Award with his wife; and

WHEREAS, Ron Heebner strongly believed that each and every child
should have a dictionary; through the Johnson City Rotary Club and the
Elks, he diligently worked to ensure every single third grade student
had a dictionary of their own; he took great joy in this endeavor, and

always made time to personally hand the new book to each student,
addressing them by name; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, this remarkable man served his community as
a Broome County Legislator with the same tireless work ethic he gave to
everything he did; he truly loved every part of being a Legislator,
especially meeting and talking with his constituents; he kept informed,
made sure he knew the issues, and was always willing to work with his
fellow Legislators to get the job done; and

WHEREAS, A man of tireless energy, Ron Heebner never stopped working
for his community; he could often be found tending to the gardens in the
local parks with a smile on his face, and took great pride in making his
beloved community of Johnson City a great place to live, work and play;
and

WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Ron Heebner
enjoyed spending time with his family and fulfilled a dream of his by
earning his pilot's license; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and June; his
father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Sophie; and his
brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Barbara, Ron Heebner is
survived by his wife of 47 years, Patti; one brother, Gary (Diane) and
their children, Richard, Rebecca and Jonathan; one sister, June (Bob)
and their children, Jannette, Christine and Erin; brother-in-law and
sister-in-law, Ray and Adrian, and their children, Renee, Heather (Tim)
and their daughter, Autumn; several nieces and nephews, Chris (Gina) and
their daughter, Nicole; Tim (Tina) and their children Allison, Tanner
and Ashley; and Tracy (Tom) and their children Molly and Abby; and many
cousins, as well as his rescue dog, Noelle, who would follow him
everywhere; and

WHEREAS, Johnson City has lost a great man who deeply loved his
family, his city and its people; a devoted husband and friend, respected
as a pillar of his family and community, Ron Heebner's 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 Ron Heebner, former Broome County Legislator, astute
businessman, 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 Ron Heebner.