Senate Resolution No. 1411

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Jesse Beller, distinguished
citizen, musician, 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, Jesse Beller of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, died on
Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 100; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 11, 1925, in Bronx, New York, Jesse
Beller was a musical prodigy and began playing the piano at the age of
six; and

WHEREAS, With a natural talent for music, Jesse Beller attended
Music and Arts High School in New York City, and in his adolescence he
fell in love with jazz and began playing professionally; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, Jesse Beller served and deployed in
Germany, demonstrating his strength and commitment to the welfare of his
Nation; and

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

WHEREAS, Upon his return from the war, Jesse Beller attended New
York University and decided to study math, eventually becoming a
teacher, so he could successfully live a more traditional lifestyle than
his musician peers; and

WHEREAS, Despite working professionally as a teacher, Jesse Beller
remained engaged in the music world, and he never stopped playing in
gigs on weeknights and weekends; he eventually retired early so he could
play jazz professionally; and

WHEREAS, Jesse Beller married the love of his life, Barbara Jackson,
and together they shared the pleasure of raising their two children,
Kathleen and Jane, in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, where he has lived for
67 years; and

WHEREAS, When he was not playing music, teaching, or spending time
with family, Jesse Beller could often be found volunteering at the local
library; and

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

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jesse Beller 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 Jesse Beller, distinguished citizen, musician, 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 Jesse Beller.