Senate Resolution No. 2228

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Larry Mitchell,
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, Larry Mitchell of Harlem, New York, died at the age of 76;
and

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

WHEREAS, Born September 29, 1947, in Dinwiddie, Virginia, Larry
Mitchell migrated to the Bronx, New York when he was five years old; he
later moved with his family and settled in Harlem; and

WHEREAS, Upon his graduation from Central Commercial High School in
1965, Larry Mitchell attended the Borough of Manhattan Community
College, CUNY, and majored in accounting with a secondary in business
administration; and

WHEREAS, In 1967, Larry Mitchell joined the United States Air Force,
where he served four years before his honorable discharge as a
First-Class Staff Sergeant in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Larry Mitchell began his professional career as a teller at
Chase Manhattan Bank, remaining with JPMorgan Chase for 31 years; during
his tenure, Larry Mitchell continuously climbed the ranks, retiring from
the esteemed position of Administrative Vice President in the Systems
Analysis and Quality Assurance department; and

WHEREAS, Larry Mitchell's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Proving to be a true asset to his community, Larry Mitchell
served as Secretary of Prince Hall Community Development Corporation,
Vice President of Prince Hall Foundation, and President of the Prince
Hall Temple Association; and

WHEREAS, Larry Mitchell honorably served as Grand Master of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the Honorable Fraternity of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Larry Mitchell's strong sense of faith and devotion to
community aided his lifework and countless endeavors, including during
his time with Widows' Lodge No. 11, as well as in Holy Royal Arch Mason
of the Most Excellent Prince Hall; and

WHEREAS, Through his ascension from right hand of the Senior Warden
to protection of the Door of Knowledge in presiding over each lodge in
New York State as the 57th Grand Master, Past Grand Master Larry
Mitchell's body of work proved his nobility and kindness through a
lifetime of work; and

WHEREAS, A force in his community, Past Grand Master Larry Mitchell
led a statewide voter education and registration drive in 2016, during
which time he registered more than five hundred new voters; and

WHEREAS, Always prideful of his role, Past Grand Master Larry
Mitchell proved repeatedly that not only was he every bit of what a
Mason strives to be, but he was a man of high character that every Mason
could look to model; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Larry Mitchell displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Larry Mitchell is survived by his beloved wife, Joe Ellen,
who always stood strongly and proudly by his side throughout all his
civic, charitable, and social endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Larry Mitchell 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 Larry Mitchell; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Larry Mitchell.