Senate Resolution No. 915

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Wilbur Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the New
York State Office for the Aging on May 27, 2025

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Wilbur
Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual
Older New Yorker's Day program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Crowne
Plaza Albany: The Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, With a lifelong dedication to others, Wilbur "Warren"
Sickles Jr. has devoted over 24 years of his life to volunteer service;
this admirable devotion to service reflects his unwavering sense of
compassion, resilience, and profound sense of civic responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Wilbur Sickles Jr. has been the president of the South
Rome Senior Center of Rome, New York for the past eight years, helping
to grow the center into a welcoming and comfortable environment for all
its members; and

WHEREAS, Obtaining a new roof, updating the floors, completely
repainting the space, adding new carpeting, and securing a bingo machine
are some of Wilbur Sickles Jr.'s accomplishments during his tenure as
president of the South Rome Senior Center; and

WHEREAS, Dedicating countless hours to the betterment of the South
Rome Senior Center, Wilbur Sickles Jr. works diligently with the City
of Rome, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and
the Rome Community Foundation to find grant monies for the center's
expenses; and

WHEREAS, Because of Wilbur Sickles Jr.'s sincere care for others,
when a tornado struck Rome, he acted swiftly in securing a generator,
allowing the center to remain operational for four days, allowing
residents to have the comforts needed to endure a difficult time; and

WHEREAS, Further, Wilbur Sickles Jr. arranged for donations and
food to be brought to the South Rome Senior Center during this natural
disaster, ensuring the continued health and happiness of the members and
community at large; and

WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have

better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two children, three
stepchildren, and seven grandchildren, all of whom have all shown him
endless love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Wilbur Sickles Jr. has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Wilbur Sickles Jr., a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his
volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of
experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wilbur Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May
27, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wilbur Sickles Jr.