Senate Resolution No. 419

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Katherine Creag, renowned
News 4 New York reporter, loving wife and mother,
and devoted member of her 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; Katherine Creag was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Katherine Creag, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Creag, a beloved member of the News 4 family who
was a stalwart of New York City's mornings on "Today in New York" for
many years, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at the
age of 47; and

WHEREAS, With her big magnetic smile and vivacious personality,
Katherine Creag, affectionately known as Kat, joined WNBC in 2011, and
spent the better part of the last decade covering anything and
everything across the region; and

WHEREAS, Instantly recognizable for her distinctive voice and hearty
laugh, Katherine Creag was the first face many New Yorkers woke up to
every day; she was thoughtful, funny and relentless, and even on the
toughest days she was a bright light, quick with a kind word and a
smile; and

WHEREAS, For 10 years, Katherine Creag was a cornerstone of WNBC,
always willing to help in any situation, whether it was a colleague in
need or a shift that needed to be covered; known for her boundless
energy and upbeat spirit, she truly brought joy to the job every single
day; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Creag, with a versatility that was hard to match,
rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to News 4 New
York, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues;
and

WHEREAS, A native of Manila, Philippines, and a 1996 NYU graduate
who spent five years at Fox before joining NBC, Katherine Creag won or
shared in winning multiple Emmys, AP and Murrow Awards over the course
of her illustrious career which also took her to Dallas, Charlotte and
Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, While she was passionate about many things, above all her
greatest passion was being a mother to her three young children, Jack,
Jemma and Josie, and a wife to her loving husband of 14 years, Bill
Gafner; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Creag's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Katherine Creag leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she
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 Katherine Creag, and expressing its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Katherine Creag.