LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the distinguished life and
accomplishments of Catherine Abate, former New York State Senator

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute to
the life and accomplishments of former New York State Senator Catherine
Abate, an individual of distinguished purpose and enduring commitment, a
woman who dedicated her life and career to public service; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Catherine Abate on May 17, 2014, noting the
significance of her meritorious life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, During her diverse and far-reaching public service career,
Catherine Abate served at nearly every level of New York politics,
including grassroots organizing, advocacy and City and State government;
and
WHEREAS, After receiving her law degree from Boston University Law
School in 1972, Catherine Abate began her professional career as an
attorney at the Legal Aid Society in New York City, eventually becoming
Director of Training in its Criminal Defense Division; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Catherine Abate to
the position of Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State
Division of Human Rights; she was appointed Chair of the New York State
Crime Victims Board in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Abate was appointed by New York City Mayor David
Dinkins to serve as Commissioner of the New York City Department of
Correction in 1990; in 1992, she was appointed Commissioner of the New
York City Department of Probation; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Catherine Abate was elected to the New York State
Senate, representing the 27th District which covered parts of Manhattan;
she served with distinction for two terms and was the ranking Democrat
on the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, as well as the
Investigations and Government Operations Committee; and
WHEREAS, Although Catherine Abate left the New York State Senate at
the end of 1998, she did not leave public service; in 1999 she became
President and CEO of Community Healthcare Network, where she made
significant and lasting contributions in the area of public health; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure at Community Healthcare Network, Catherine
Abate significantly expanded healthcare and social services programs for
the underserved and developed innovative strategies for vulnerable
segments of the LGBT population, including transgender people and those
living with HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Abate was a recognized expert on human rights,
criminal justice, health care and management/leadership, who freely
shared her knowledge and served on numerous government, professional and
non-profit boards; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Abate's commitment to public service extended to
her friendship and mentoring of numerous government, nonprofit and labor
sector leaders who served with her and after her; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Abate, throughout her career and life, served her
community and the people of the State of New York with intelligence and
caring dedication, contributing significantly to the quality of life of
her constituents and the communities of the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the memory of Catherine Abate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to her husband Ronald Kliegerman, and son, Kyle Kliegerman.