Senate Resolution No. 4747

BY: Senator LARKIN

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Frank
K. Skartados, a well-respected New York State
Assemblyman, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute
to the life and accomplishments of New York State Assemblyman Frank K.
Skartados, an individual of distinguished purpose and enduring
commitment, whose lifework and civic endeavors served to enhance the
quality of life in the Hudson Valley and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Frank K. Skartados of Milton, New York, a more than
four-term New York State Assemblyman, died on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at
the age of 62; and

WHEREAS, Frank K. Skartados, the seventh of eight children, was born
on the Greek island of Astypalaia; on July 4, 1970, 14 year-old Frank
arrived in New York City with his mother, and six years later, on
November 24, 1976, he became a citizen of the United States of America;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating from George Washington High School in
upper Manhattan, Frank K. Skartados worked in the restaurant industry
and eventually became the proprietor of his own business; and

WHEREAS, His valuable knowledge and understanding of the restaurant
business earned him the means necessary to put himself through college
at the State University of New York at New Paltz; and

WHEREAS, Frank K. Skartados graduated with honors and a degree in
Political Science; at the same time, he worked at the Commandant's
Office of the New York Military Academy in Cornwall, New York; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable man went on to achieve a master's degree in
International Studies at the State University of California at
Sacramento; he later completed an internship at the United Nations
Center Against Apartheid; and

WHEREAS, Frank K. Skartados returned to the New York Military
Academy to serve as Chairman of the Health Department for the next eight
years; in addition, he was a teacher of Environmental Studies and
American History; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, Frank K. Skartados made a career change and
devoted his life to renovating properties in downtown Poughkeepsie,
including building the Aegean Entertainment Center, the largest
entertainment venue between Albany and New York City; at this time, he
also moved to a farm in Milton, New York, where he raised goats, sheep
and chickens; and

WHEREAS, After being elected, Frank K. Skartados' next career move
was to serve as an Assemblyman within the New York State Assembly,
beginning in January of 2009; he lost the seat two years later by less

than 20 votes but, in March of 2012, he regained the office in a special
election; and

WHEREAS, The death of Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados, a highly
respected and regarded public servant, leaves a great void in the New
York State Assembly and in the communities of the 104th Assembly
District he served with such passion and dedication; and

WHEREAS, His district, located in the Mid-Hudson Valley, includes
the cities of Newburgh, Beacon and Poughkeepsie and the towns of
Newburgh, Marlborough and Lloyd; and

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados was proud to represent the
only district in New York whose cities and towns all border the Hudson
River; as a result, he focused his attention on the Hudson's
environmental protection, and helped to fund the creation of several
riverside parks and trails; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados secured
numerous grants to lower school and municipal taxes by investing in
equipment, infrastructure, workforce housing and libraries; by devoting
his time to these and other important community related issues and
concerns, he thereby left upon them his own indelible and lasting mark;
and

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados' popularity grew as he was
elected by large majorities ranging from sixty to eighty percent of the
vote; a man of strong convictions, he was best known for his humble
demeanor and for giving passionate speeches on issues such as education
reform, support of immigrants and worker rights; and

WHEREAS, Frank K. Skartados is survived by his loving daughter,
Alyssa, and brothers, Russos and George (Tina), both living in the
United States; he is also survived by his beloved in-laws Myrna, Selma,
Matt, Nivia and Rodrigo, and other family members who reside in Greece;
and

WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment that Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados brought to his work
as a legislator and public policy-maker; loyal friend and trusted
advisor, 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 in a
moment of silent tribute to Frank K. Skartados, whose unselfish concern
for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so fortunate to
have called him family, colleague and friend, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Frank K. Skartados.