Senate Resolution No. 1724

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Stephanie Barber Geter,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
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, Stephanie Barber Geter, of Buffalo, New York, died on
Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, On Buffalo's East Side, Stephanie Barber Geter was raised
by her grandmother who encouraged her to get involved in her housing
project's tenant council at the age of 12; as a teenager, she became
involved in political campaigns and participated in the student council
in high school and the Ellicott District Neighborhood Council in
college; and

WHEREAS, For the next 37 years, Stephanie Barber Geter committed
herself to bettering Western New York through her work in government and
local non-profit organizations; she has served on the Boards of
Directors of FeedMore WNY, Elim Community Corporation, and the Masten
TRIAD Housing Association; she also directed the Head Start Partnership
at SUNY Buffalo State College; and

WHEREAS, Stephanie Barber Geter distinguished herself in her
profession by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; she had been involved in volunteer work which
included serving as President of the Hamlin Park Community & Taxpayers
Association for many years; and

WHEREAS, As Senior Vice President for United Way of Buffalo & Erie
County, Stephanie Barber Geter distributed approximately $25 million to
agency providers and community groups annually; while acting as Board
Chair of Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC), she was instrumental in
obtaining a $55 million federal grant for the Kensington Expressway
project; and

WHEREAS, Stephanie Barber Geter received the Medgar Evers Award from
the Buffalo branch of the NAACP; she also received commendations from
state and local officials; her steadfast work for the East Side of
Buffalo yielded a better community for her neighbors for whom she
tirelessly labored to effect positive change; and

WHEREAS, To Western New York's expansive community, Stephanie Barber
Geter will be remembered as a champion, true public servant, community
leader, and pillar of the City of Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Stephanie Barber Geter is survived by her husband, Edwin
Geter; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Stephanie Barber Geter leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Stephanie Barber Geter, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Stephanie Barber Geter.