Senate Resolution No. 733

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Casimiro D. "Miro" Rodriguez
Jr., a Latin music vocalist, bandleader, producer
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
just tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative
talents contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of
their community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. of Buffalo, New York, died on
February 10, 2017, at the age of 43; and

WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. was an alumnus of
West Seneca East High School, where he developed a love for Latin soul
music, salsa and percussion instruments; by the age of 15, he was
involved in Christian bands singing salsa coros, or refrains; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after graduation, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. moved to
Lorain, Ohio and became the lead singer and bandleader for multiple
groups including, Orquestra Nissi, the Cleveland Salsa Allstars,
Conjunto Carimbo, La Elite and La Formula; and

WHEREAS, Following his return to Buffalo, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr.
was featured at First Night in 2013 and in "Salsa Meets Symphony" in
2014, with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in Kleinhans Music Hall;
and

WHEREAS, An internationally renowned arranger, composer and
producer, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. was involved with many musical
projects; in 2016, with the help of his wife, he founded Bea4Real Music
Co., as an independent showcase for his own music and upcoming
independent salsa artists; and

WHEREAS, Some of his well-known compositions include "De Ti Depende
(Tributo a Hector Lavoe)," "Dejaste," featuring Awilda Hernandez, and
"Salsa en Navidad" with Johnny Vega; and

WHEREAS, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Through his long and sustained commitment to his Hispanic
Heritage, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. has so unselfishly advanced that
spirit of united purpose and shared concern which is the unalterable
manifestation of our American experience; and

WHEREAS, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. is survived by his wife, the former
Beatriz Camilo; four sons, Sebastian E., Luis A. Ortiz, Eldon Ortiz and
Justin Ortiz; his parents Bedzaida and the Rev. Casimiro, Sr.; two
brothers, Pedro A. and Jose M. and a sister, Marisol E., as well as a
granddaughter; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to remember the
life and accomplishments of legendary musician, Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr.,
whose illustrious career will forever live in the hearts of many and
continue to inspire generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr., 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 Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr.