LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to life and accomplishments of
John F. Wade, 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, John F. Wade of Biddeford, Maine, died on Saturday, January
8, 2011, at the age of 56; and
WHEREAS, Son of Sean and Rosaleen O'Shea Wade, John F. Wade was born
in Dublin, Ireland, on April 12, 1954, and arrived in America with his
family in October of 1958; and
WHEREAS, After growing up in Manhattan and Northern New Jersey, John
F. Wade graduated from Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee in
1976, and two years later undertook graduate studies at Southern Illi-
nois University in Carbondale, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after graduation, John F. Wade went on to serve the
government in positions ranging from Director of Education for Bronx
Borough President Fernando Ferrer to Chief of Staff for then-councilmem-
ber Carolyn B. Maloney; and
WHEREAS, This eminent man distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, John F. Wade's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, After leaving government service, John F. Wade remained an
activist dedicated to progressive and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-
gender causes and campaigns; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, a strong activist for social justice and education,
particularly for women and minorities, John F. Wade acted as a dedicated
consultant and fiery volunteer until the Fall of 2010; and
WHEREAS, John F. Wade is survived by his loving mother, Rosaleen Wade;
one sister, Ann Marie, and one brother, Richard Wade; as well as four
nieces, Rosaleen, Christina, Lindsey and Diana, and one nephew, Ryan
Wade; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, John F. Wade 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 pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of John F. Wade, 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 John F. Wade.