Assembly Resolution No. 832

BY: M. of A. Conrad

MOURNING the death of Rodney L. Coots,
distinguished citizen, noble firefighter, 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, Rodney L. Coots died on October 27, 2025, at the age of 80;
and

WHEREAS, Rodney L. Coots' commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Filled with a strong sense of duty and a desire to assist
those in need, Rodney L. Coots served with the Boston Fire Company in
Southern Erie County for 10 years before joining the Ellwood Fire
Department in 1982, where he served for 43 years as an active member;
his volunteer firefighter career totaled over 50 years of service to the
residents of Erie County, New York; and

WHEREAS, In his time at the Ellwood Fire Department, Rodney L. Coots
was a safety officer, and he was tasked with the vital responsibility of
ensuring fellow members remained safe when responding to calls; and

WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others, and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with
family and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need;
Rodney L. Coots was such a firefighter; throughout over 50 years of
devoted service, he heroically performed, above and beyond the call of
duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection;
and

WHEREAS, Rodney L. Coots distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, Rodney L. Coots' professional career was with the Town of
Tonawanda as a public safety dispatcher, which further demonstrates his
passion for public service and community involvement; and

WHEREAS, While he was not protecting his community, Rodney L. Coots
enjoyed driving his 1968 purple Dodge Dart and sharing his love for cars
with those around him; and

WHEREAS, Rodney L. Coots was a loving husband to his wife Nancy (nee
Soluri) Coots, and together they were devoted parents and grandparents
of Justin (Kaitlin) Telesco, Maryssa Telesco, Savannah (Tyler) Barrows,
Abbigale Coots, Reese Coots, Charles Shilen, and Thomas Shilen; he was
also the dear brother of Barbara (late Peter) Bisig; and

WHEREAS, Rodney L. Coots touched many lives through his community
work, and his generosity, integrity, and kindness marked him as a truly
special man in all his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Rodney L. Coots 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 Rodney L. Coots, distinguished citizen, noble
firefighter, 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 Rodney L. Coots.