LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Gerson Sobel upon the occasion of
celebrating his 103rd Birthday on March 28, 2013

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Gerson Sobel was born in New York City on March 28, 1910; he
grew up in the Bronx, near Yankee Stadium; he later moved to Rockville
Centre and is still living in the same home he moved to in 1941; and
WHEREAS, He was employed as an office supply salesman until retiring
in 1975; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Gerson Sobel remained active,
devoting his time and energy to his favorite pastime, swimming; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Gerson Sobel joined the Freeport Recreation Center;
he began participating in the Center's swimming program; since that
time, he has been the proud recipient of numerous awards for his
outstanding athletic abilities in the water; and
WHEREAS, Gerson Sobel's passion for swimming dates back to the 1920s,
when he was a member of the DeWitt Clinton High School Swim Team in
Hell's Kitchen from 1924 until 1928; he went on to become Captain of the
Water Polo Team at Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Gerson Sobel upon the occasion of celebrating his 103rd
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gerson Sobel.