Senate Resolution No. 1813

BY: Senator KAPLAN

MOURNING the death of Dr. William A. Shine,
devoted educator, distinguished citizen and beloved
member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Dr. William A. Shine was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. William A. Shine, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, William A. Shine of Great Neck, New York, died on Friday,
January 28, 2022, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 22, 1928 in White Plains, New York, William
A. Shine attended Iona College for his undergraduate education, later
receiving a Doctor of Education degree from Rutgers University in New
Jersey; and

WHEREAS, Dr. William began his illustrious tenure in public
education at the Tabernacle School District in New Jersey in 1954; he
then went on to serve as Superintendent of the Medford School District
and Cherry Hill School District, both in New Jersey, before heading to
Nassau County; and

WHEREAS, Dr. William A. Shine served as Superintendent of Great Neck
Public Schools from 1982 to 2004, giving him the distinction of being
the second longest to serve in this capacity in the school's history;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in recognition of his deep commitment to his
students and the community-at-large, Great Neck High School South was
renamed the William A. Shine Great Neck South High School in his honor;
and

WHEREAS, A true gentleman, inspiration and mentor, Dr. William A.
Shine's character, compassion and integrity are the hallmarks of his
life and work as a school district leader, a community volunteer and as
a person; and

WHEREAS, The Great Neck community is indeed fortunate and blessed to
have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; his wisdom
and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a
difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with him;
and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement as Superintendent in 2004 at the age of
76, Dr. William A. Shine took on pro bono work with the NYU Child
Center, before serving as Interim Superintendent for the Manhasset
School District from April to November of 2005, when he accepted the

position of Assistant Superintendent, serving in that capacity until
2011; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, a true asset to his profession, this
extraordinary man continued to immerse himself in public education,
often attending meetings in Albany, New York, to learn how to conduct
school reviews and to get the latest information on testing, assessments
and common core; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his dedicated career in education, Dr.
William A. Shine proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Dr. William A. Shine is survived by his beloved wife,
Susan; and his two wonderful children, Barbara and Jack; as well as four
grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Dr. William A. Shine
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. William A. Shine continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
Great Neck Public Schools for the benefit of its faculty and students,
as well as for the entire community; he truly left a legacy to the
residents of Great Neck and to future generations of its students; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. William A. Shine, and to express 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 Dr. William A. Shine.