Senate Resolution No. 627

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

MOURNING the death of Robert H. Giza Sr., former
town of Lancaster supervisor, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of this 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, Robert H. Giza Sr. of Depew, New York, died on Tuesday,
January 31, 2017, at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, Robert H. Giza Sr., a Town of Lancaster leader for decades,
distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication
and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Robert H. Giza Sr. worked at St. Mary's
Elementary School for 29 years as a physical education instructor; he
also worked at Depew-Lancaster Boys and Girls Club for 33 years,
reaching the esteemed position of executive director; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Robert H. Giza Sr. held several
auspicious positions including Town Supervisor from 1996-2011, President
of the Association of Erie County Governments and from 2013-2014,
President of the Association of Towns of New York State and was a member
of the Lancaster Town Council from 1982-1995; and

WHEREAS, Under his luminous leadership, the Town of Lancaster was
revitalized; several projects included Lancaster Heritage Trail, a
scenic 4-mile bike trail; the Senior Citizens Center and Youth Bureau
buildings as well as the Lancaster Meals on Wheels; and

WHEREAS, Committed to the youth of Lancaster, Robert H. Giza Sr.
always had his door open for those who needed a listening ear; and

WHEREAS, Robert H. Giza Sr. commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Robert H. Giza Sr. is survived by his two sons, Robert Jr.
and Ronald Giza, his daughter, Wendy Bicknell; brother, Dennis; six
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert H. Giza Sr. 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 Robert H. Giza Sr., former town of Lancaster
supervisor, distinguished citizen and devoted member of this community;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert H. Giza Sr.