Senate Resolution No. 84

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

MOURNING the death of former New York State
Senator Walter J. Floss, dedicated political leader
and strong advocate for the people of this great
Empire State

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication
whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Walter J. Floss of Clarence, New York, died on Saturday,
December 8, 2018, at the age of 95; and

WHEREAS, Walter J. Floss was born in Buffalo, New York, on February
13, 1923; he was the first child and only son to Walter J. Floss Sr. and
Laura Lillis Floss, and the brother of Mary, Joan, Jean, Nancy and
Dolores; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Public School 74, Walter J. Floss enlisted in
the United States Naval Reserve in 1940, following in the footsteps of
his father, who fought in World War I, and his grandfather, who fought
for the Union during the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, Trained as a flight engineer, Walter J. Floss valiantly
served overseas for 46 months before being honorably discharged in
October of 1945; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Walter J.
Floss and Grayce H. Thornberry were united in marriage on July 13, 1946,
at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Walter J. Floss studied business administration at Millard
Fillmore College of the University at Buffalo and opened Floss Insurance
Agency on Transit Road in Clarence in 1945; he was elected to the
Clarence Town Council in 1962, after serving on the Town's Planning
Board and as a Constable; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, Walter J. Floss was elected to the 16th District
of the Erie County Legislature; two years later he was named Chairman of
the newly created Erie County Industrial Development Agency, serving in
that post for 18 months; and

WHEREAS, Walter J. Floss was named a VIP by the Amherst Chamber of
Commerce in 1974, for his work as Director and Building Chairman for
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital; and

WHEREAS, In 1978, Walter J. Floss was elected a New York State
Senator representing the 59th District, and later the 60th District;
during this time, he helped create the Senate subcommittee on small
business concerns, which became part of the Commerce Committee in 1985;
and

WHEREAS, Senator Walter J. Floss was the first Chairman of the
Senate's Standing Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small
Business; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Senator Walter J. Floss
held the esteemed position of Chairman of the Majority Task Force on
defense spending in the State and served on many task forces,
legislative commissions and Senate standing committees, mostly focusing
on financial and business topics; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Senator Walter J. Floss sponsored many bills
designed to support small business owners; he also created an agency to
help businesses follow state and federal regulations; and

WHEREAS, In 1981, United States Senator Lowell Weicker named Senator
Walter J. Floss to the 25-member U.S. Senate Small Business Advisory
Committee; and

WHEREAS, Senator Walter J. Floss retired in 1988, during which time
he immersed himself in activities with his wife of 57 years, as well as
their 10 children and their families; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Senator Walter J. Floss was an
exempt member and past treasurer of the East Amherst Fire Department; a
charter member, past grand knight and past district deputy of the Holy
Name Council 3974 of the Knights of Columbus; a former member of the
Ignatius Retreat League; and a member and past commander of the
Swiftwater Power Squadron; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Senator Walter J. Floss belonged to the Aero
Club, Buffalo Yacht Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Chapter 120 of
the Disabled American Veterans, as well as the Clarence Rotary Club and
the United States, Buffalo, Amherst and Clarence Chambers of Commerce;
he was the longest-tenured member of the Alfred J. Jurek American Legion
Post; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Grayce, Senator Walter J. Floss is
survived by five sons, John, Robert, Walter III, James and Joseph; five
daughters, Therese, Margaret, Kathleen, Judy and Mary; 30 grandchildren;
and 38 great-grandchildren; 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 Senator Walter J. Floss 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 to
mourn the death of former New York State Senator Walter J. Floss,
dedicated political leader and strong advocate for the people of this
great Empire State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Walter J. Floss.