Assembly Resolution No. 242

BY: M. of A. Burke

MOURNING the death of Greg Olma, distinguished
citizen, committed public servant, 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, Greg Olma of Erie County, New York, died on March 14, 2025,
at the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, Born to Paula (nee Failing) and the late Richard Olma, Greg
Olma centered his life around family, public service, community
engagement, and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, An alumnus of Saint Francis High School, Greg Olma earned a
Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctorate from SUNY at Buffalo in 1986 and
1992, respectively, and throughout his life, Greg Olma committed to the
lifelong pursuit of knowledge, learning, and truth; and

WHEREAS, With the unique ability to retain and share general
information about an array of topics such as local and world history,
geo-political events, recipes, travel destinations, and restaurants,
Greg Olma enjoyed the challenge of a good debate with those willing to
engage with him; and

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

WHEREAS, Greg Olma's pursuit of truth proved valuable to his work as
a public servant, and throughout his career he served as a legislator
for Erie County, Erie County deputy commissioner of Parks and
Recreation, legislative assistant to a council member, Erie County
Democratic Committee member, and a member of the Ukrainian Congress
Committee Election Observer Delegation; and

WHEREAS, In addition to Greg Olma's involvement in leadership and
public service, he was also involved as a member in many local
organizations, including Adam Plewacki Post No. 799 FCU, Broadway
Market, Polish Community Center, Lexington Food CoOp, Adam Mickiewicz
Library and Dramatic Circle Inc., Dnipro, Ukrainian American Civic
Association, Torn Space Theater, Polish Roman Catholic Union of America,
Ukrainian FCU, Good Neighbors FCU, and Eugene V. Debs Hall; and

WHEREAS, As a courageous leader and tireless public servant, Greg
Olma reliably lent his fervent support to local and neighborhood
organizations, city-wide restoration projects, and he always
demonstrated mutual appreciation for all cultures in his community,
including his beloved Polish and Ukrainian connections; and

WHEREAS, A family man at heart, Greg Olma shared a 33-year marriage
with his loving wife, Annette Juncewicz, and together they shared the
joy of raising their two precious children, Mira and Max Olma; and

WHEREAS, Greg Olma was always supportive and proud of his children,
and he encouraged and embraced their shared love of travel, athletics,
continued education, exploration, and the pursuit of truth; and

WHEREAS, Outside of professional endeavors, Greg Olma and his wife
enjoyed mutual friends and interests, a good laugh, witty exchanges,
memorable road trips, and memorable family time; and

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

WHEREAS, Greg Olma is survived by his wife, Anette; children, Mira
and Max; mother, Paula; brother, Gerry; brothers and sisters-in-law,
Tina, Veronica, Edmund, Evelyn, and Helen; nieces and nephews, Philip,
Lara, Joseph, Teresa, Adam, and Rebecca; great-nieces, Gracie and Addie;
he is predeceased by his father, Richard; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Greg Olma 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 Greg Olma, distinguished citizen, committed public
servant, 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 Greg Olma.