Assembly Resolution No. 904

BY: M. of A. Bronson

MOURNING the death of Tim O Mains, distinguished
educator, LGBTQ+ advocate, and first openly-gay
elected official in New York State

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; Tim O Mains was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Tim O Mains, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Tim O Mains, of Rochester, New York, died on December 30,
2021, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, Tim O Mains worked as a teacher, counselor and staff
developer in the Greece Central School District from 1971 to 2002,
before becoming a principal in the Rochester City School District
(RCSD); he rose to the position of Director of Internal School
Operations for the RCSD in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Tim O Mains distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community through his positions in education and public office; and

WHEREAS, A true trailblazer and icon in the LGBTQ+ community, Tim O
Mains made history when he was elected to the Rochester City Council in
1985, as the first openly-gay elected official in the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, he broke significant barriers for the
LGBTQ+ community with his genuine visibility which broadened acceptance
for others; he was a renowned and vocal advocate for gay rights long
before his initial forays into politics and was incredibly passionate
about helping those impacted by AIDS and HIV; and

WHEREAS, Tim O Mains stood up for those who were voiceless, shunned,
and marginalized; his political agenda largely aimed to make Rochester a
better place by offering improved housing, fair law enforcement, and
economic development for good jobs; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering devotion to his community,
Tim O Mains possessed a passion for service and an eye for detail,
working tirelessly to enrich the lives of his students and the residents
of Rochester; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Ben Davis High School in Indiana, Tim
O Mains received a bachelor's degree in Sociology and World History; he
went on to earn a Master's degree in Counselor Education, a Master of
Science in Educational Administration, Master's in Education degree in

Organizational Leadership and was working on his Doctorate Educational
Policy and Leadership; and

WHEREAS, Tim O Mains is survived by his spouse, David Phillip
Gardner; his brother, Steve Mains (Cindy Savage); a sister, Roxie
McNelly (Jim); nephews, Brooks (Jordan) Canavesi, Phillip (Jennifer)
McNelly and Derrick (Sara) McNelly; nieces, Ursula Mains, Sonya Savage
and Lacey York (Brendan); great-nephews, Caden and Cruz Canavesi and
Colin York; and great-nieces, Lyla Canavesi, Elizabeth York, and Autumn
and Lily McNelly; and

WHEREAS, A kind man of true courage and bravery, Tim O Mains'
infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through his family's
vivid and happy memories; his insight and strength will forever serve as
a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Tim O Mains 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 man; 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 Tim O Mains, 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 spouse of Tim O Mains.