Senate Resolution No. 3829

BY: Senator FUNKE

MOURNING the death of Robert Andrew Belmont, Town
of Richmond Supervisor, family man, and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Robert A. Belmont, who died on Saturday, January
6, 2018 at the age of 89; and

WHEREAS, Robert "Bob" A. Belmont was born to Frank and Elizabeth
(Richter) Belmont on April 19, 1928, in Rochester, New York; shortly
after graduating from Aquinas Institute on June 23, 1946, he proudly
served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Following his discharge in 1948, Bob A. Belmont earned his
bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Toronto; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Bob A. Belmont started his long and
distinguished career at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester; hired as a
computer operator, he was later promoted to the position of Supervisor
of Data Processing and Payroll; throughout his tenure, he was
responsible for several computing operating units; and

WHEREAS, From 1985-1986, Bob A. Belmont held the title of Unit
Director of Information Systems-Computer Operations; in this capacity,
he supervised 150 employees and oversaw many changes in computer
equipment and technology; after 34 years of service, Bob officially
retired on June 1, 1986; and

WHEREAS, Bob A. Belmont was an active and treasured part of his
community, serving as a member of the Town of Richmond Zoning of Appeals
and the Ontario County Environmental Agency; he was also a faithful
congregant of St. Mary's Church in Honeoye, New York, where he served as
a Eucharistic Minister; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Bob A. Belmont was elected to a four-year term as
a Councilmember on the Richmond Town Board; from 1980-1985, and again
from 1988-1994, he held the title of Town Supervisor; from March of 2002
through November of 2002, he served as interim Town Supervisor; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, the Town of Richmond made numerous
improvements which have greatly benefitted its residents; some of these
include the addition of a refuse transfer station, and a softball field
at Sandy Bottom Beach Park; the adoption of the Town Master Plan; the

establishment of a Town Board liaison system, an Employee Relations
post, and a Monthly Town Supervisor's Report; and

WHEREAS, Supervisor Belmont also helped resolve the Beaver Dam issue
and improve media coverage of Town Board meetings; and

WHEREAS, Supervisor Belmont was always available to lend a helping
hand during natural emergencies such as the March of 1991 Ice Storm, and
the Blizzard of March 1993; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors from
Richmond, Bob A. Belmont served on several standing committees including
Education, Legislation and Improved Methods, Health Facility, and
Personnel, where he held the position of Chairman; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, and again in 1988, Bob A. Belmont was named as
Vice-Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, and was the
Budget Officer; and

WHEREAS, After his many years of public service, Bob A. Belmont
continued to service his community as a volunteer at many worthy
organizations including St. Mary's Church Parish Council, Honeoye Area
Senior Citizens, F.F. Thompson Hospital Board of Directors, Finger Lakes
Community College Foundation Board Executive Committee, Board of
Trustees for Finger Lakes Community College, and the Bristol Harbor
Village Association; and

WHEREAS, Robert A. Belmont truly led by example, and in doing so,
has left a lasting impact on the Town of Richmond, the county of
Ontario, and New York State as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 59 years, M. Helen (Turner)
Belmont, and his sister, Rita Shlesinger, Robert A. Belmont is survived
by his two sons, Bob (Amy) Belmont and Don (Pat) Belmont; two daughters,
Sue Ras and Anne (Jim) Dobbertin; seven grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; one brother, Donald (Sally) Belmont; one sister, Mary
Mack; one brother-in-law, Bill Sheslinger; and several nieces and
nephews, as well as a legion of friends and community members who will
long treasure his memory; and

WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Robert A.
Belmont's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful
public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity,
unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself,
will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in
their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert Andrew Belmont, Town of Richmond Supervisor,
family man, and devoted member of his community, recognizing the
significance of his exemplary record of public service; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert Andrew Belmont.