Senate Resolution No. 3352

BY: Senator BRESLIN

MOURNING the death of Jerome Lefkowitz, former
Chairman of the New York State Public Employment
Relations Board, noted attorney with CSEA, and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the
great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good
works of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate
their lives and careers to the service of others; and

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Jerome Lefkowitz of Albany, New York, a
preeminent citizen whose distinguished public service and caring
commitment will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire;
and

WHEREAS, Jerome Lefkowitz, affectionately known as Jerry, died on
Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from New York University, Jerry Lefkowitz
earned his law degree from Columbia University Law School; a firm
believer in his faith, he also attended the Jewish Theological Seminary
in New York; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Lefkowitz distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, In 1965, Jerry Lefkowitz and his wife, Myrna moved to
Albany, New York, where they became vital members of the Capitol
Region's Jewish community; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished attorney known for his quiet passion and
fairness, Jerry Lefkowitz also served as a law professor, advocate and
community leader; he spent 19 years as counsel at CSEA, and in 1991, he
was named chair of the New York State Bar Association's 1,808-member
labor and employment law section; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, Jerry Lefkowitz was appointed as the Chairman of
the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) of New York State until his
retirement in January of 2015; in this capacity, Jerry Lefkowitz was the
driving force behind the 1967 Public Employees' Fair Employment Act,
commonly known as the Taylor Law; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Lefkowitz is survived by his loving wife of 61 years,
the former Myrna Weishaut; three devoted sons, Jay (Elena) Lefkowitz,
Mark (Alyse) Lefkowitz, and Alan (Neomi) Lefkowitz; one daughter, Miriam
(Marc) Lefkowitz; and 10 adoring grandchildren, Talia, Danielle, Jacob,
Sophia, Jonah, Isabella, Jordan, David, Tamar and Ezra; as well as a
legion of friends and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, respected as a
pillar of the Lefkowitz family, Jerry's name is synonymous with

character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor, qualities evident to
his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him;
he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jerome Lefkowitz, former Chairman of the New York
State Public Employment Relations Board, noted attorney with the CSEA
Union, 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 Jerome Lefkowitz.