Senate Resolution No. 490

BY: Senator SERRANO

CELEBRATING the life and career of former United
States Representative Robert Garcia, and expressing
sincerest sorrow upon the occasion of his death

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of distinguished purpose whose lives have been
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body wishes to express its
sincerest sorrow upon the occasion of the death of Robert "Bob" Garcia
who died on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at
the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia was born on January 9, 1933, in the Bronx to
parents born in the United States Territory of Puerto Rico; he attended
the New York City public schools and graduated from Haaren High School
in Manhattan in 1950; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia served his country as a member of the United
States Army from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War as a Radio Operator
with the Third Infantry Division; upon the completion of his military
service, he continued his education from 1953 to 1957 by enrolling in
the City College of New York, although he also attended the Community
College of New York as well as the RCA Institute; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Robert Garcia accepted a position as a
computer engineer with IBM Control Data where he worked from 1957 until
1965; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia had a long career in public service; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia retained his seat in the Assembly until the
end of the 1967 session; it was at the beginning of the 1968 session
when he took his seat in the State Senate where he remained until 1978,
serving in the 177th, 178th, 179th, 180th, 181st and 182nd New York
State Legislature; and

WHEREAS, While serving as a Senator, he was selected to the position
of Deputy Minority Leader from 1975 until 1978; and

WHEREAS, Particularly concerned with the prison conditions
throughout New York State's correctional facilities, Robert Garcia
served on the Mediation Committee, established as a result of the Attica
Prison Riot; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia was elected to the 95th United States
Congress representing New York's 21st district on February 14, 1978 and
served until 1990; and

WHEREAS, While serving, Congressman Robert Garcia was the official
representative of the US Congress to NATO, and was instrumental in

developing better relations between Spain and Latin America; he also had
a prominent role in the designation of the Martin Luther King National
Holiday; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Robert Garcia joined with Congressman Jack Kemp
to draft and pass the Kemp-Garcia Enterprise Zone law designed to create
jobs in inner-city neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, This renowned public servant was a founding member, and
two-term Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which, together
with its Institute, has grown into a major point of entry for young
Hispanics interested in public service; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia devoted much of his time and energy to
important community related concerns, serving on the boards and
committees of numerous non-profit organizations; at the time of his
death, he was an Emeritus Member of the Salvation Army Board of
Directors and was in the process of writing an autobiography; and

WHEREAS, Robert Garcia brought a deep dedication, intelligence and
passion to his work; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and contributions of the late Robert "Bob" Garcia,
and to offer its sincere condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert "Bob" Garcia.