Senate Resolution No. 432

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Edward John Louis, retired
police officer, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to an individual of distinguished purpose and true
commitment who dedicated his life and career to public service; and

WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of Edward John Louis on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the age of 86,
noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors
contributed so much to the quality of life in his community; and

WHEREAS, Edward John Louis, affectionately known to many as Eddie,
was born on October 14, 1934, to Eugenia (Stephens) and Errold Louis in
New York City; he was raised in Harlem where he played basketball in
Mount Morris Park, boxed in Golden Gloves competitions, and was educated
in the New York City Public School System, graduating from the Boys High
School; even at the young age of five, he knew he had found the love of
his life when he met his future wife of 57 years, Tomi Laureta Hawkins,
in his Kindergarten class; and

WHEREAS, In 1955, Edward John Louis began his 30-year career in law
enforcement, when he was hired by the City of New York as a Patrolman in
Manhattan; he quickly rose through the ranks, holding the titles of
Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Inspector, and Inspector; his
assignments included the 32nd precinct in his beloved Harlem and a stint
as commanding officer of the 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Edward John Louis was a life-long member of the Guardians
(a Black Fraternal Order of Police) and a proud member of the National
Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); and

WHEREAS, In 1986, after retiring from NYPD, Edward John Louis
continued his work in law enforcement supervising investigators with the
New York Legal Aid Society; and

WHEREAS, A man of many interests and passions, Edward John Louis
understood the importance of a healthy lifestyle and competed in and
completed numerous marathons and distance races through the Road Runners
Club; he enjoyed studying American social history, handicapping horse
races and travelling, but above all, he loved spending time with his
beloved family; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his wife, Tomi, his sister
Elaine Atherton, and his brother Anthony Louis, Edward John Louis is
survived by his three daughters, Pamela, Lisa (Reginald) and Ellen; two
sons, Errol (Juanita) and Edward; one sister-in-law, Ollie Hawkins; four
grandsons, Terrence, Alex-Jamal, Christopher, and Noah; one
great-grandson, Branson; and life-long friends, John Clark and Charles
Ritzberg, as well as numerous colleagues from NYPD and New Rochelle
Parents Advisory Committee for the Developmentally Disabled; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Edward John Louis 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 Edward John Louis, retired police officer,
distinguished citizen 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 Edward John Louis.