Senate Resolution No. 2098

BY: Senator COMRIE

MOURNING the death of Jonathan E. Raines, Esq.,
distinguished citizen, attorney and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan E. Raines, Esq., a resident of Laurelton, Queens,
New York, for 55 years, died on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the age
of 81; and

WHEREAS, He distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan E. Raines' commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, In his first career as a member of the New York City Police
Department, Jonathan E. Raines patrolled the streets of Brooklyn in the
early 1960s, diffusing gang activity and helping teens get involved in
various after school activities; he went on to achieve the distinguished
rank of Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of New York Law School, Jonathan E. Raines would
later serve the NYPD in their legal division as a Supervising Attorney;
he also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1977, and represented
the NYPD as a consultant to various cities' police departments; and

WHEREAS, Retiring from the NYPD in 1982, Jonathan E. Raines
continued to encourage young people to apply to the Police Department,
and was an ongoing advocate for making the recruitment and testing
process for admittance into the NYPD fairer for individuals of varying
minority statuses; and

WHEREAS, As a police retiree, he served as Chief of Security for
Rochdale Village Cooperative; he also served as an Administrative
Hearing Officer for the New York City Housing Authority and was a
lifelong member of the NAACP where he served as the Chairman of the
Jamaica Branch of the organization's Life Membership Committee; and

WHEREAS, In his later years, Jonathan E. Raines could be found at
the Robert Couche Senior Citizens Center, playing chess, Mambo dancing,
and even providing legal guidance to members; and

WHEREAS, A devoted member of his community, Jonathan E. Raines
served as President of the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association of
Queens County; he also served as the past 1st Vice Chairman of the
Queens Hospital Center Community Board, 2nd Vice Chairman of Community

Board No. 13 and Vice Chairman of Charles Drew Early Childhood Learning
Center; and

WHEREAS, Of the many joys Jonathan E. Raines found in life,
listening to jazz and rap music, going to concerts, playing chess,
reading, and having fun with his grandchildren were of his favorites;
and

WHEREAS, Jonathan E. Raines is survived by his wife, Carole A.
Raines; children, Jenyne, Jason and Stephanie Raines; sister, Barbara
Turner; brothers, Alfonso and Gordon Raines, and five beloved
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jonathan E. Raines leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jonathan E. Raines, Esq.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Jonathan E. Raines, Esq.