Senate Resolution No. 1053

BY: Senator RITCHIE

MOURNING the death of Ray T. Chesbro,
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, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Ray T. Chesbro, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community, on Friday, March 3, 2017,
at the age of 91; and

WHEREAS, Ray T. Chesbro is remembered as a man of honesty and
integrity, devoted to his family and the citizens of his community; and

WHEREAS, Born in Pennellville, Oswego County, Ray T. Chesbro
received his education in the Phoenix Central School District; and

WHEREAS, He was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Oswego County in 1953,
and later became Identification Office, Investigator and Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Ray T. Chesbro was appointed as Sheriff of Oswego
County by the late Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and was elected to that
same position in 1974, retiring in 1977; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, he was appointed by Governor Hugh L. Carey to be
Director of the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority and
served in that position until 1982; and

WHEREAS, Ray T. Chesbro was elected to the New York State Assembly
for the 117th Assembly District in 1980, and served five terms; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his service in law enforcement and state
government, Ray T. Chesbro served on the Phoenix Central School
District's Board of Education for 17 years, and the Oswego County Board
of Cooperative Educational Services from 1967 to 1971; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, he was a member of the Fraternal
Order of Police, a 70 year member of Lodge 622 F&AM in Central Square,
the United Methodist Church in Pennellville, and the Phoenix
Sno-Drifters, as well as the National Legislators Association, the
Central New York Rod and Gun Club, and the Pathfinder Rod and Gun Club;
and

WHEREAS, Ray T. Chesbro will be fondly remembered as a loving
husband, and father by his wife of 69 years, Eileen, and his three sons,
Gary, Ray and Scott, as well as his five grandchildren, and five great
grandchildren and many other family members; and

WHEREAS, He 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 Ray T. Chesbro, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of the Oswego community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ray T. Chesbro.