2009-J2969

Mourning the death of Russell E. Pawlak, respected preservationist, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

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2009-J2969


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Russell E. Pawlak,
respected preservationist, 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 endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Russell E. Pawlak of Buffalo, New York, died on August 8,
2009, at the age of 59; and
WHEREAS, Born on Buffalo's East Side in the St. John Kanty neighbor-
hood, Russell E. Pawlak graduated from Bishop Ryan High School, where he
played football and ran track; he also played football as a running back
at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, where he earned a Bach-
elor's degree in history; and
WHEREAS, During the 1970s, Russell E. Pawlak served as Executive
Director of the Broadway Fillmore Area Council and in community develop-
ment at City Hall; and
WHEREAS, He then worked for 28 years as a Field Service Supervisor at
the New York State Insurance Fund; this position took him to New York
City for about 10 years beginning in the mid-1980s; and
WHEREAS, Russell E. Pawlak distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After returning to Buffalo, Russell E. Pawlak, who grew up in
the shadow of the Central Terminal and whose grandfather worked for New
York Central Railroad, set his sights on reviving the dilapidated and
badly vandalized station; and
WHEREAS, An avid preservationist who was married three times and had
two children, Russell E. Pawlak played an instrumental role in resusci-
tating the Central Terminal train station; he also, in recent years,
served on the Buffalo Preservation Board and the Broadway Market's Board
of Directors; and
WHEREAS, Russell E. Pawlak's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, For eight years, he served as President of the Central Termi-
nal Restoration Corp., before stepping down in 2008; the nonprofit
organization raised a significant amount of funds to seal and stabilize
the East Side landmark, enabling several organizations to hold events
there including Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Hallwalls Contemporary
Arts Center; furthermore, Russell E. Pawlak helped popularize what has
become an annual Dyngus Day celebration at the art deco landmark; and
WHEREAS, Russell E. Pawlak, whose life was enriched by knowledge, both
the kind acquired through books and from a life lived deeply, was
married in June of 2009 to Bernadette Majewski, whom he met at an event
at the terminal; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother and father, Edmund and Eleanor
(Koscinski) Pawlak, Russell E. Pawlak, in addition to his wife, Berna-
dette (Majewski-Sliwinski), is survived by his children, Hadley (Scott)
Horrigan and Dylan Roper Pawlak; and his stepdaughter, Kimberly A.
Majewski; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Russell E. Pawlak 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 Russell E. Pawlak, respected preservationist, distin-
guished 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 Russell E. Pawlak.

actions

  • 12 / Aug / 2009
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 10 / Sep / 2009
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 10 / Sep / 2009
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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