Senate Resolution No. 2216

BY: Senator WALCZYK

MOURNING the death of Wayne L. Ashley, former
Ogdensburg Mayor, longtime police officer, and
distinguished member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Wayne L. Ashley was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Wayne L. Ashley, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Wayne L. Ashley of Ogdensburg, New York, died on Sunday,
April 7, 2024, at the age of 74, surrounded by his loving family; and

WHEREAS, Born January 20, 1950 to Carl M. Ashley and Dorothy (Bell)
Ashley in Ogdensburg, Wayne L. Ashley was best known as a 39-year
veteran of the Ogdensburg City Police Department where he served 20
years as a patrolman and 19 years as a road patrol shift sergeant; and

WHEREAS, During his illustrious career in law enforcement, Wayne L.
Ashely completed incident command training, US Coast Guard recreational
watercraft enforcement training, fire investigation and police
supervision training, crime scene investigation with the John Jay
College of Criminal Justice program, and juvenile custody training; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served as a dog control officer for many
years, and worked part-time for Hackett's Hardware from 1966 to 2002;
and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, in November 2010, Wayne L. Ashley was
elected to Ogdensburg's City Council where he served for one term before
winning a term as Ogdensburg's 44th mayor, serving from 2016 to 2019;
and

WHEREAS, In this esteemed capacity, Wayne L. Ashley was instrumental
in the establishment of the Ogdensburg Land Bank as well as a fleet
management program as recommended by the state's Financial Review Board;
he also partnered with the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development
Agency to save and rehabilitate the Newell Building, one of the city's
major industrial buildings overlooking the waterfront; and

WHEREAS, Wayne L. Ashley played a key role in upgrading the city's
sewer system to reduce pollution in the St. Lawrence River, rehabbing
vacant properties to get them back on the tax rolls, and working
alongside local politicians on countless initiatives to benefit the
community; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man was also a small business owner,
operating A and A Fencing, which specialized in residential fencing; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Wayne L. Ashley served as co-chair of the Heart-to-Heart
program with the late Charles W. Kelly, which provided Christmas
presents to children in need across St. Lawrence County; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Ogdensburg, Wayne L. Ashley
graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1968, and proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army National Guard where he
rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant; he went on to study business
administration at Jefferson Community College and SUNY Canton; and

WHEREAS, An avid fisherman and hunter, Wayne L. Ashley enjoyed
spending his leisure time on Black Lake; he also enjoyed deer and duck
hunting, and was a Waterfowl USA member and the son of a decoy carver;
and

WHEREAS, On January 22, 2010, Wayne L. Ashley married the love of
his life, Karen, and they shared 15 wonderful years together; while he
was passionate about many things, his greatest passion was spending time
with his family and friends; he made it a priority to talk to his
children and grandchildren every night; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his beloved wife, Wayne L. Ashley is
survived by his daughter, Colleen (Christopher); son, Patrick;
stepmother, Patricia; stepchildren, Greg, Stephen, and Melissa; and
three grandchildren, Jacob, Jaedyn, and Abby; as well as a Special Uncle
Richard "Uncle Dick" Dillenbeck; he was predeceased by his parents and
his brother, Carl Ashley, Jr.; and lifelong friend, Charles W. Kelly;
and

WHEREAS, Wayne L. Ashley's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Wayne L. Ashley leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; 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 Wayne L. Ashley, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Wayne L. Ashley.