LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert C. Wertz, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Robert C. Wertz, noting the significance of
his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Robert C. Wertz of Port Jefferson, New York died on May 5,
2009, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, The Town Attorney for the Town of Smithtown, New York, from
1967 to 1970, Robert C. Wertz was first elected to the New York State
Assembly in the 1970 general election and served for 32 years; and
WHEREAS, The longest serving Republican in the New York State Assem-
bly, Robert C. Wertz was considered by his peers as the expert on health
and mental health issues; he served as Deputy Minority Whip and was
responsible for creating the Smithtown Library District and naming the
Lady Bug as the New York State Insect; and
WHEREAS, Robert C. Wertz previously served as a Senior Attorney with
the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, where he was
assigned to protecting patients' rights at Kings Park State Hospital,
and served six years with the Second Battalion, 25th Marines,
U.S.M.C.R.; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert C. Wertz was a past Chairman of the
National Executive Committee of the National Council of State Govern-
ments and the Eastern Regional Council of State Governments; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Suffolk County and New York State Bar Associ-
ations, Robert C. Wertz received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred
University and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of Suffolk County, Robert C. Wertz believed in
giving back to the community he loved so much; he founded the Commack
Volunteer Ambulance Corps, was active in the Christ the King Holy Name
Society, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities and Saints Philip
and James Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Robert C. Wertz was a member of the Advisory
Boards of the Suffolk County Rehabilitation Center, the Maryhaven
School, the Academy of St. Joseph and the Cleary School for the Deaf and
the Suffolk County Hypertension Co-Ordinating Council; and
WHEREAS, Robert C. Wertz was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, and
brother, Peter, and is survived by his three children, Mary (John)
Fitzpatrick, Donna (Bob) Arao and Robert II (Kristen) Wertz, 14 grand-
children, Katelyn, Julie, Robert, Megan, Kenneth, James, Kelly, Robert
III, Thomas, Brian, Ryan, Eric, Tyler and Julianna, and sister, Caryll
Batterman, all of whom felt privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoiced in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Robert C. Wertz 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 Robert C. Wertz, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert C. Wertz.