Assembly Resolution No. 57

BY: M. of A. Brabenec

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of The
Honorable Bernard Rosenfeld, renowned public
servant, devoted educator and dedicated 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 their profession served to enhance the quality of
life in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Bernard Rosenfeld, founding Mayor of the Village of Kaser,
New York, died on Monday, December 31, 2018, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Bernard Rosenfeld was born to the late Elimelech and Baila
Rosenfeld on May 27, 1947, in the D.P. Camp in Windsheim, Germany; three
years later, he and his family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, At the young age of 15, Bernard Rosenfeld traveled to
Israel where he studied at the Yeshiva-Rabbinical College, which was
founded by the former Grand Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager of the Viznitz sect;
in 1966, he returned to the United States, and married Rivka Rosenfeld;
together, they settled in Monsey, New York, where they raised their
children; and

WHEREAS, Bernard Rosenfeld began his long and distinguished career
as an educator when he founded the Viznitz School in 1970; he served as
a ninth grade teacher, and Principal, and then in 1978, assumed the
title of School Administrator, a position he held for four decades; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Bernard Rosenfeld accomplished numerous
goals which greatly benefitted the school and the Viznitz community as a
whole; he was instrumental in the construction of many school buildings,
and led the institution with wise direction and a steadfast and
unremitting commitment; and

WHEREAS, In 1990, Bernard Rosenfeld became the first Mayor of the
Village of Kaser, located in the Town of Ramapo, New York; throughout
his tenure, he worked on numerous community projects to enhance the
quality of life of all residents of this newly formed village; he
arranged for both low-income and senior housing, instituted senior
programs, kept property taxes at a low rate, undertook many road
enhancement and safety projects, worked to eliminate flood zones in
residential areas through major drainage projects, and created parks and
various recreational projects; and

WHEREAS, A kind and wise man, Mayor Bernard Rosenfeld was always
available to listen to each and every one of his constituents; he
advocated for individuals who needed special assistance and promoted
many school projects for the benefit of all the children in the
community; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Bernard Rosenfeld was sincerely loved and greatly
respected by all those with whom he worked; he understood the importance

of maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the surrounding
municipalities, local politicians, and all surrounding neighbors to
ensure that all parties worked together for the benefit of their people;
and

WHEREAS, Mayor Bernard Rosenfeld is survived by his loving wife,
Rivka, his sons and daughters, and his many friends who will long
cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Mayor Bernard
Rosenfeld'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
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mayor Bernard Rosenfeld,
renowned public servant, devoted educator and dedicated member of his
community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable Bernard Rosenfeld.