2009-J3485
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Keith Romaine,
Brookhaven Town Councilman, 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, Keith Romaine of Moriches, New York, died on Saturday, Novem-
ber 14, 2009, at the age of 36; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 20, 1973, he attended St. John's Elementary
School in Center Moriches, New York, and later graduated from Mercy High
School in Riverhead, New York; Keith also earned his Bachelor of Science
degree in Finance from Fordham University, and a Juris Doctor from Touro
Law School; and
WHEREAS, Keith Romaine distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; growing up in Center Moriches, New York, he served as an
aide to Michael Forbes before his election to the town board; he also
owned his own business, Suffolk Legal and Process Service, which
provided support service to attorneys and title companies; and
WHEREAS, A Brookhaven Town Councilman, Keith Romaine was elected in
2007 and then re-elected in 2009; he was an ardent believer in the
autonomy of the people to make decisions for themselves, and he worked
exceptionally hard to bring financial prudence to the Town of Brookha-
ven; and
WHEREAS, As Councilman, Keith Romaine was the driving force behind
putting global positioning systems in town vehicles, and was energetic
and strong as a liaison to both local ambulance and fire departments;
and
WHEREAS, The longest serving President of the Moriches Bay Civic Asso-
ciation, Keith Romaine was involved in many community organizations such
as the Colonial Youth Center and numerous Chambers of Commerce; further-
more, he was an avid supporter of the Pattasquash Creek Civic Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, A loyal and dedicated fan of both the New York Yankees and
the Dallas Cowboys, Keith Romaine was known for his dynamic personality
and lust for life; he always made his colleagues laugh and put them at
ease with his gregarious smile; and
WHEREAS, He is survived by his father, Edward P. Romaine; a brother,
Kevin Romaine; his grandfather, Edward T. Romaine; an aunt, Maureen
McGovern; and his uncle, John Romaine; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Keith Romaine 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; and
WHEREAS, In memory of Keith Romaine, taken from the wise words of
prominent poet Ralph Waldo Emerson - Success: "To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of
false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to
leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easi-
er because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Keith Romaine, Brookhaven Town Councilman,
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 Keith Romaine.