Senate Resolution No. 966

BY: Senator MAYER

MOURNING the death of former Congressman Ogden R.
Reid, New York Herald Tribune Editor, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
the death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community and profession served to enhance the quality of life in
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of one of New York State's most distinguished
citizens, Ogden R. Reid, died at his home in Waccabuc, New York, on
Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Ogden Rogers Reid was born to Helen (Rogers) and Ogden
Mills Reid on June 24, 1925, in Manhattan, New York; he graduated from
both the Buckley School in Manhattan and Deerfield Academy in
Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Ogden R. Reid proudly served his country as a paratrooper
with the United States Army in the 11th Airborne Division during World
War II; he was discharged as a First lieutenant in 1946, and later,
served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, In 1949, Ogden R. Reid earned his degree from Yale
University, and married the former Mary Louise Stewart in July;
together, they raised five sons and one daughter; and

WHEREAS, Ogden R. Reid went to work with his mother at the New York
Herald Tribune, his family-owned newspaper; for several years, he served
as a mail clerk, photographer and reporter before becoming Vice
President in 1953; at the young age of 29, he succeeded his older
brother as President and Editor; in 1958, the Reid family sold a
controlling interest to John Hay Whitney, the United States ambassador
to Britain; and

WHEREAS, One year later, Ogden R. Reid began his long and
distinguished political career when President Dwight D. Eisenhower named
him Ambassador to Israel, a position he held from July 2, 1959 until
January 19, 1961; following his return to the United States, he became a
Director of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1961; and

WHEREAS, In that same year, Ogden R. Reid was appointed Chairman of
New York's State Commission Against Discrimination by Governor Nelson A.
Rockefeller; and

WHEREAS, From January 3, 1963 until January 3, 1975, Ogden R. Reid
served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from
New York's 24th and then 26th district; throughout his tenure,
Congressman Reid supported antipoverty and civil rights legislation and
efforts to improve urban areas, curb housing discrimination and
strengthen Social Security; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to his roots, Congressman Ogden R. Reid
introduced numerous bills to protect journalists from being compelled by
federal courts and other governmental authorities to disclose
confidential sources; and

WHEREAS, After mulling a possible gubernatorial run, Ogden R. Reid
was appointed Commissioner of Environmental Conservation by newly
elected Governor Hugh L. Carey, a position he held for 16 months; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Ogden R. Reid is survived by
his loving wife, Mary Louise; five devoted sons, David, Stewart,
Michael, William and Ogden; one beloved daughter, Elisabeth Taylor; and
19 treasured grandchildren, as well as a legion of colleagues and
friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and sensitivity, former
Congressman Ogden R. Reid's legacy extends far beyond his
accomplishments as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for
others; his integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation
to give of himself, 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 former Congressman Ogden R. Reid, New York Herald
Tribune Editor, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community, recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of
public service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ogden R. Reid.