Assembly Resolution No. 543

BY: M. of A. Miller ML

HONORING Harvey Weisenberg upon the occasion of
special recognition for his tenacious advocacy for
people with developmental disabilities and public
service on June 12, 2019

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to observe milestones of
prominent public servants of indomitable faith and dedication whose life
and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and
inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
former New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg for his tenacious
advocacy for people with developmental disabilities, for 25 years as a
State Assemblyman, and for more than 60 years of public service on June
12, 2019; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Long Beach, Harvey Weisenberg
graduated from Long Beach High School in 1952, before attending Niagara
University on a basketball scholarship; he received a Bachelor of
Science degree from New York University in 1958, and earned his Master
of Science degree from Hofstra University; he also holds a professional
diploma in administration from C.W. Post University; and

WHEREAS, Elected in 1976, Harvey Weisenberg served on the Long Beach
City Council for 13 years and served as President of that body in 1977
and 1980; and

WHEREAS, He has also been a lifeguard, coach, a City of Long Beach
police officer, restaurant owner, special education teacher and
elementary school assistant principal; today, he remains an educator at
heart; and

WHEREAS, Elected to the Assembly on February 14, 1989, Harvey
Weisenberg chaired the Assembly's Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
until January of 2001, when he was appointed as Deputy Majority Whip of
the Assembly, and in 2003, was appointed as Assistant Speaker Pro
Tempore; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious legislative career, Harvey
Weisenberg was a staunch advocate for people with disabilities; he was
successful in removing barriers, improving access, and enhancing the
quality of life for all with physical and mental challenges; he also
secured significant funds which benefitted numerous agencies and
organizations within his district that worked with and provided services
to adults and children with physical and mental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Because of his extraordinary vision and determination,
Harvey Weisenberg was able to obtain funding to build housing for
medically fragile children on Long Island; he was also instrumental in
making the innovative Surfers Healing program a huge success, an event
in Long Beach where children with autism, accompanied by trained
surfers, experience the thrill and freedom of riding the waves; and


WHEREAS, Throughout his renowned career as a prominent public
servant, Harvey Weisenberg has been the proud recipient of countless
awards and accolades because of his ceaseless dedication to improving
the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, Harvey Weisenberg published a book about his
life experiences titled, For the Love of a Child: My Life, My City & My
Mission, inspired by the great love of his life, Ellen, his late wife,
and their son, Ricky; and

WHEREAS, In addition to Ellen and Ricky, with him throughout have
been his other four children, Vicki, Russell (Marilyn), Julie (Donald),
and Gregg (Sogdianna), as well as his six grandchildren, Michael, Danny,
Jackie, Brock, Max, and Zac, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Harvey Weisenberg, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Harvey Weisenberg, the man, the father, the friend, whose spirit
of service to others has demonstrated an unparalleled devotion which
built bridges of hope for those who seek human dignity and a productive
role in society; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Harvey Weisenberg.