LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life of distinguished Buffalo attor-
ney and renowned advocate for better education for all, Arnold B. Gard-
ner

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of prominent citizens of the State of New York who dedicated their
lives to their profession and to service to their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of esteemed attorney Arnold B. Gardner of
Buffalo, New York on December 26, 2010, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York City on January 3, 1930, Arnold B. Gardner
came to Buffalo to attend the University of Buffalo, where he earned his
bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, in 1950; he went on to graduate from
Harvard Law School three years later and to serve in the U. S. Army
Judge Advocate's office from 1954 to 1956; and
WHEREAS, Appreciating the intellectual challenges of the law, Arnold
B. Gardner returned to Buffalo and became a valued longtime partner in
Kavinoky & Cook law firm, along with his wife, Sue Gardner; and
WHEREAS, Arnold B. Gardner seemingly carved out a second career as a
booster of public education, for 34 years serving variously on the
Buffalo Board of Education, the State University of New York Board of
Trustees, and the State Board of Regents; and
WHEREAS, As a Buffalo School Board member from 1969 to 1974, and as
board President in 1971 and 1972, he worked energetically to recruit
more black teachers, to achieve racial balance in the schools, and to
obtain more adequate funding for the schools; and
WHEREAS, Arnold B. Gardner was a SUNY Trustee from 1980 to 1999, serv-
ing for a time as Vice Chairman of the Board and, in 1999, he was named
an at-large member of the State Board of Regents; and
WHEREAS, He viewed education as a great leveler and was always most
interested in the lowest-functioning schools because they were serving
the least-advantaged people; and
WHEREAS, He also worked actively on behalf of equality for women and,
as the attorney for the Buffalo Braves basketball team and in other
ways, had an impact on world of sports as well; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his faith, Arnold B. Gardner additionally served
as President of the Jewish Family Service and of Temple Beth Zion and
was a member of the board of the national American Jewish Committee and
of New York State's Holocaust Memorial Commission; and
WHEREAS, Arnold B. Gardner was fittingly honored many times over the
years; he received honorary doctoral degrees from D'Youville College in
2009 and from SUNY at Buffalo in 2010 and awards from, among others, the
NAACP, the Buffalo Urban League, the National Conference of Christians
and Jews, and the University at Buffalo Law School; and
WHEREAS, Arnold B. Gardner is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue S.
Gardner; his children Diane R. Gardner and Jonathan H. and his wife
Cynthia Gardner; his grandchildren Robert J. Gardner, Hannah M. Gardner,
and Max Gardner Pergament; and a legion of colleagues, friends and
admirers who will long honor his memory; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon
its records this tribute to the memory of Arnold B. Gardner that future
generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many
benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he was held; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and honor the accomplishments of Arnold B. Gardner,

noting the significance of the loss of a man of selfless dedication and
caring concern; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Arnold B. Gardner with the heartfelt condo-
lences of this Legislative Body.