LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Jeffrey A. Wise, social
justice advocate, former journalist, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Jeffrey A. Wise of Saratoga Springs, New
York, a preeminent citizen whose distinguished public service and caring
commitment will long serve as a standard to which other might aspire;
and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey A. Wise, the son of the late Jane (Stanley) and the
Reverend A. King Wise, died on Sunday, January 17, 2016, in Saratoga
Springs, New York, at the age of 62; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 1, 1953, in Glens Falls, New York, Jeffrey A.
Wise graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1971; after graduation,
he earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the State University
of New York at Potsdam; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey A. Wise distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey A. Wise began his career in journalism, serving as
Sports Editor and then City Editor at THE POST-STAR in Glens Falls, New
York; from there he moved to THE DAILY GAZETTE, working first in the
paper's Saratoga Bureau and then as city editor in Schenectady, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Jeffrey A. Wise enrolled in Albany Law School, and
in 1987, obtained his Juris Doctor, while continuing to work at THE
DAILY GAZETTE during school breaks; and
WHEREAS, After receiving his law degree, Jeffrey A. Wise transitioned
from journalism to public policy, spending the next 25 years in Albany,
New York, where he advocated for the homeless and people with special
physical and mental-health needs; and
WHEREAS, During this time, he held the position of Attorney with the
New York State Law Revision Commission, Senior Policy Analyst at Coali-
tion for the Homeless, and served as both President and Chief Executive
Officer of the New York State Rehabilitation Association; and
WHEREAS, On June 19, 2013, Jeffrey A. Wise was nominated by Governor
Andrew Cuomo to be the inaugural Executive Director of the New York
State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs; he
will be remembered fondly as a dedicated, exemplary public servant,
whose steadfast leadership made the office an exceptional place to work;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Jeffrey A. Wise worked
tirelessly to support vulnerable individuals, including the homeless,
people with mental illness, and those with developmental disabilities;
his stewardship of the Justice Center has benefitted the lives of numer-
ous people across this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, A man of many interests and passions, Jeffrey A. Wise was an
avid follower of all sports; he was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox
and the Buffalo Bills, and loved racing season at Saratoga Race Course
and watching ice hockey in Glens Falls, as well as playing golf at Sara-
toga Spa State Park; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey A. Wise also enjoyed listening to music, he especial-
ly appreciated Lou Reed, the Who, the Moody Blues, and Mark Knopfler;
and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey A. Wise will long be remembered for his unconditional
love of his family, his zest for politics, his skill at forging strong

personal and professional alliances, his quick wit, and his keen analyt-
ical ability; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, and brother, Gregory A. Wise,
Jeffrey A. Wise is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca Wise Melli and
Abigail L. Wise; one sister, Gretchen Wise Moore; a sister-in-law, Pene-
lope Wise; three nieces, Melissa (Bruce), Vanessa (Jerry), and Samantha
(Michael); two nephews, Ryan (Kristen) and Christopher; five great-ne-
phews; and four great-nieces; as well as dear friend Shelly Nortz; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jeffrey A. Wise 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 Jeffrey A. Wise, social justice advocate, former
journalist, 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 Jeffrey A. Wise.