Senate Resolution No. 2565

BY: Senator MAY

MOURNING the death of Charles Nojaim,
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 the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim of Syracuse, New York, died on May 19, 2024,
at the age of 91; and

WHEREAS, Born in Syracuse on May 31, 1932, Charles Nojaim was raised
by Lebanese immigrant parents who instilled the values of hard work,
integrity, and family into his character; he started working at his
parent's grocery store on West Street in the community when he was 10
years old; and

WHEREAS, Furthering his education, Charles Nojaim graduated from Le
Moyne College, before enlisting in the United States Army during the
Korean Conflict; and

WHEREAS, In the 1950s, Charles Nojaim took over the family business,
Nojaim Brothers Supermarket, and worked to transform the business into a
cornerstone of the community; and

WHEREAS, Facing demolition due to construction in 1993, Charles
Nojaim built a new store on Gifford Street at the corner of the new West
Street with the support of his father on January 26, 1961; and

WHEREAS, Expanding the business, Charles Nojaim also owned groceries
stores at Marcellus and Lakeland; Nojaim Brothers Supermarket served as
a gathering place that brought people together, supported local
initiatives, and provided a sense of belonging; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Charles Nojaim served as a Board
Member of Sugar Mill Country Club, President of Bellevue Country Club,
Chairman of the Draft Board, Co-Chairman of Rebuild Syracuse, Board
Member NYS Food Merchants Association, and was a driving force in
starting an independent grocery movement in the Syracuse area, leading
to the creation of the Hometown Group and The Neighborhood Markets; and

WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim enjoyed golf in his free time and would
spend hours at the courses at Bellevue, Sugar Mill, and Tuscarora; and

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

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

WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim is survived by his five children, Kathleen
(Jim), Nancy, Richard (Lori), Paul (Daisy) and Daniel, his
grandchildren, Christina, Chad (Alexis), Paul (Rachel), Jimmie
(Heather), Kyle, Trisha (Chris), Anna, Jack, Adrianna, Carlos, Natalie,
and great grandchildren, Laila, Anthony, RJ, and Amari; he was
predeceased by his wife, Patricia McSweeney, who he married in 1955; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Charles Nojaim 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 Charles Nojaim, 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 Charles Nojaim.