Honor Jerome Lefkowitz’s Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 3352 BY: Senator BRESLIN MOURNING the death of Jerome Lefkowitz, former Chairman of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board, noted attorney with CSEA, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their lives and careers to the service of others; and WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Jerome Lefkowitz of Albany, New York, a preeminent citizen whose distinguished public service and caring commitment will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and WHEREAS, Jerome Lefkowitz, affectionately known as Jerry, died on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, After graduating from New York University, Jerry Lefkowitz earned his law degree from Columbia University Law School; a firm believer in his faith, he also attended the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York; and WHEREAS, Jerry Lefkowitz distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, In 1965, Jerry Lefkowitz and his wife, Myrna moved to Albany, New York, where they became vital members of the Capitol Region's Jewish community; and WHEREAS, An accomplished attorney known for his quiet passion and fairness, Jerry Lefkowitz also served as a law professor, advocate and community leader; he spent 19 years as counsel at CSEA, and in 1991, he was named chair of the New York State Bar Association's 1,808-member labor and employment law section; and WHEREAS, In 2007, Jerry Lefkowitz was appointed as the Chairman of the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) of New York State until his retirement in January of 2015; in this capacity, Jerry Lefkowitz was the driving force behind the 1967 Public Employees' Fair Employment Act, commonly known as the Taylor Law; and WHEREAS, Jerry Lefkowitz is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, the former Myrna Weishaut; three devoted sons, Jay (Elena) Lefkowitz, Mark (Alyse) Lefkowitz, and Alan (Neomi) Lefkowitz; one daughter, Miriam (Marc) Lefkowitz; and 10 adoring grandchildren, Talia, Danielle, Jacob, Sophia, Jonah, Isabella, Jordan, David, Tamar and Ezra; as well as a legion of friends and colleagues; and WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, respected as a pillar of the Lefkowitz family, Jerry's name is synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him; 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 Jerome Lefkowitz, former Chairman of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board, noted attorney with the CSEA Union, and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Jerome Lefkowitz.