Senate Resolution No. 1809

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of The Honorable John Curtin,
dedicated justice, 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, Judge John Curtin of Buffalo, New York, passed away on
Friday, April 14, 2017, at the age of 95; and

WHEREAS, Judge John Curtin was born August 24, 1921, in Buffalo, New
York; he proudly served his country as a member of the United States
Marines as a Lieutenant Colonel and as a Fighter Pilot in the South
Pacific, providing air support to Marines involved in ground combat; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge, Judge John Curtin went on to receive
his law degree from the University of Buffalo; in 1961, he was named the
United States Attorney for Western New York by then-President John F.
Kennedy; and

WHEREAS, Six years later, Judge John Curtin was appointed to the
esteemed position of Federal Judge, where he ruled to desegregate the
police and fire departments as well as Buffalo Public Schools; in
addition, he presided over the infamous Love Canal cases; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Judge John Curtin was one of the first Federal
Judges to stop ruling on drug cases, citing the war on drugs as a
complete failure; and

WHEREAS, Judge John Curtin distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Judge John Curtin's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Judge John Curtin is survived by his wife, Jane Good, and
their seven children; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, The Honorable John Curtin 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 Judge John Curtin, dedicated justice, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable John Curtin.