LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Otis G. Pike, longtime New
York State Congressman, 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, Otis G. Pike of Riverhead, New York, died on Monday, January
20, 2014, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Otis Grey Pike was born on August 31, 1921, in Riverhead, New
York; when he was a small boy, his parents died and he was raised by his
relatives; and
WHEREAS, He enrolled at Princeton University, then interrupted his
studies to join the United States Marines; he served as a fighter pilot
in the Pacific, flying 120 missions during World War II; after being
discharged, he completed his degree; and
WHEREAS, At the young age of 14, politics captured Otis G. Pike's
imagination; upon graduating from Columbia University Law School in
1948, he practiced law in his hometown and became a justice of the
peace; and
WHEREAS, Although his first campaign in 1958 for a House seat failed,
Otis G. Pike was elected two years later; in all, he served for nine
terms before choosing not to run for re-election in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Otis G. Pike distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After leaving Congress, Otis G. Pike wrote a column for the
NEWHOUSE NEWSPAPERS for the next 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife, Doris Orth, and his son,
Robert, Otis G. Pike is survived by his second wife, Barbe Bonjour Pike;
daughter, Lois Pike Eyre; and his son, Douglas; as well as two grand-
children; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Otis G. Pike 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 Otis G. Pike, longtime New York State Congressman,
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 Otis G. Pike.