Senate Resolution No. 775

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Clyde N. Harvey Jr.,
successful businessman, distinguished citizen 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, This Legislative Body is saddened to mourn the death of
Clyde N. Harvey Jr., successful businessman, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Billy" to friends and family
members, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. was born in Brookneal, Virginia, in 1935;
one of seven children, he was the son of Clyde N. Harvey Sr. and Mozelle
Berkley; and

WHEREAS, He came to New York in the 1950s, and is a graduate of
Morris High School in the Bronx; and

WHEREAS, His first job was working with his brother, William and his
Uncle Carroll, dressing windows for Florsheim Shoes; while there, Clyde
took the opportunity to learn everything he could about the shoe
business, hoping one day to open his own shoe store; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1970s, Clyde N. Harvey Jr.'s dream of being a
business owner came to fruition when he opened his first shoe store
named Ingrid's Bootery (named after his young daughter) in downtown
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. went on to open two more shoe stores,
another in Brooklyn and one in Newark, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, During his more than 20 years as a business owner, Clyde N.
Harvey Jr. was well respected by both the citizens and local officials
in the communities he served; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. was the recipient of numerous business
awards and accolades such as the Queensboro Club Businessman Award,
Community Affairs Award, and the Citation for Community Service Award
given by Howard Golden, Brooklyn Borough President; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the shoe business in the 1990s, Clyde
N. Harvey Jr. went on to work as an Escort for the Visiting Nurse
Services of New York; he officially retired from there in the early
2000s; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. was a dedicated member and past Master
of the African Lodge 459 No. 63 Prince Hall Masons, Abu-Bekr Temple No.
91, Noble of the Mystic Shrine; and Long Island Commandery Consistory
No. 6 where he earned his 33rd Degree; he was also a member of several
other houses and brotherhoods; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. most enjoyed spending time with his
family and friends; he was the "King" of the summer cookouts; and

WHEREAS, His faith in the Lord was strong, and he often attended
services at Lemuel Haynes Congregational Church in Jamaica, New York; he
also loved his Masonic Lodge, helping those in need, old music, sports,
traveling with his significant other Barbara and spending quiet time at
home; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. truly lived his life by his motto
"Whatever you do, be the best at it"; and

WHEREAS, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. is survived by his life partner,
Barbara; daughter, Ingrid; grandson, William; son-in-law, Tony;
stepdaughter, Tracey; two sisters, Augusta Lee and Geneva; and his
brother, Eddie; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other special
loved ones and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Clyde N. Harvey Jr. 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; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Clyde N. Harvey Jr., and to express its most sincere
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Clyde N. Harvey Jr.