Senate Resolution No. 1896

BY: Senator BAILEY

MOURNING the death of The Honorable Eliot Engel,
Assemblyman, Congressman, 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 endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, On Friday, April 10, 2026, Eliot Engel, of Bronx, New York,
died at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, Eliot Engel was born in Bronx County, New York, on February
18, 1947; from humble beginnings, the son of an iron worker, he grew up
in NYCHA housing and was a graduate of public schools; and

WHEREAS, A former teacher and guidance counselor, Eliot Engel
pursued politics, serving as a New York State Assemblyman from 1977-1988
when he won his first Congressional election; and

WHEREAS, While serving in the New York State Legislature, Eliot
Engel chaired the Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the
Subcommittee on the Mitchell-Lama Subsidized Housing Program; and

WHEREAS, Eliot Engel was a strong human rights advocate for Kosovo
and the Albanian community at a time when few others were paying
attention; in 2008, he addressed the Kosovo Parliament, the first speech
given to the Parliament by a foreign dignitary; and

WHEREAS, From 1989-2021, Eliot Engel served in the United States
House of Representatives; rising through the ranks of the House Foreign
Affairs Committee, he become Chairman in 2019 while also serving on the
House Energy & Commerce Committee; and

WHEREAS, For more than 44 years in public service, Eliot Engel
fought tirelessly for his constituents at home and for peace and
security around the world; his legacy consists of hard work on issues
and kindness to all; he exhibited commitment, conviction, and service,
and he understood that public office was a responsibility to speak up,
to stand firm, and to deliver for the people; and

WHEREAS, A proud New Yorker, dedicated public servant, global
diplomat, and fierce advocate for his constituents, who served 16 terms
in Congress, Eliot Engel represented parts of the Bronx, Westchester,
and Rockland during his 32 years in Congress until 2020; he was a true
partner in advancing democratic values and human rights; and

WHEREAS, Besides his dedication to politics and advocacy for human
rights, Eliot Engel was passionate about other interests, including
being a lifelong fan of the New York Mets; and

WHEREAS, Eliot Engel is survived by his wife, Patricia (Ennis)
Engel; a daughter, Julia; two sons, Jonathan and Philip; three
grandchildren; and a sister, Dori Kaplan; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Eliot Engel 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 The Honorable Eliot Engel, 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 The Honorable Eliot Engel.