Honor Robert Belmont's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 3829 BY: Senator FUNKE MOURNING the death of Robert Andrew Belmont, Town of Richmond Supervisor, family man, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of Robert A. Belmont, who died on Saturday, January

6, 2018 at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, Robert "Bob" A. Belmont was born to Frank and Elizabeth (Richter) Belmont on April 19, 1928, in Rochester, New York; shortly after graduating from Aquinas Institute on June 23, 1946, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps; and WHEREAS, Following his discharge in 1948, Bob A. Belmont earned his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Toronto; and WHEREAS, After graduation, Bob A. Belmont started his long and distinguished career at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester; hired as a computer operator, he was later promoted to the position of Supervisor of Data Processing and Payroll; throughout his tenure, he was responsible for several computing operating units; and WHEREAS, From 1985-1986, Bob A. Belmont held the title of Unit Director of Information Systems-Computer Operations; in this capacity, he supervised 150 employees and oversaw many changes in computer equipment and technology; after 34 years of service, Bob officially retired on June 1, 1986; and WHEREAS, Bob A. Belmont was an active and treasured part of his community, serving as a member of the Town of Richmond Zoning of Appeals and the Ontario County Environmental Agency; he was also a faithful congregant of St. Mary's Church in Honeoye, New York, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister; and WHEREAS, In 1975, Bob A. Belmont was elected to a four-year term as a Councilmember on the Richmond Town Board; from 1980-1985, and again from 1988-1994, he held the title of Town Supervisor; from March of 2002 through November of 2002, he served as interim Town Supervisor; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, the Town of Richmond made numerous improvements which have greatly benefitted its residents; some of these include the addition of a refuse transfer station, and a softball field at Sandy Bottom Beach Park; the adoption of the Town Master Plan; the establishment of a Town Board liaison system, an Employee Relations post, and a Monthly Town Supervisor's Report; and WHEREAS, Supervisor Belmont also helped resolve the Beaver Dam issue and improve media coverage of Town Board meetings; and WHEREAS, Supervisor Belmont was always available to lend a helping hand during natural emergencies such as the March of 1991 Ice Storm, and the Blizzard of March 1993; and WHEREAS, As a member of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors from Richmond, Bob A. Belmont served on several standing committees including Education, Legislation and Improved Methods, Health Facility, and Personnel, where he held the position of Chairman; and WHEREAS, In 1985, and again in 1988, Bob A. Belmont was named as Vice-Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, and was the Budget Officer; and WHEREAS, After his many years of public service, Bob A. Belmont continued to service his community as a volunteer at many worthy organizations including St. Mary's Church Parish Council, Honeoye Area Senior Citizens, F.F. Thompson Hospital Board of Directors, Finger Lakes Community College Foundation Board Executive Committee, Board of Trustees for Finger Lakes Community College, and the Bristol Harbor Village Association; and WHEREAS, Robert A. Belmont truly led by example, and in doing so, has left a lasting impact on the Town of Richmond, the county of Ontario, and New York State as a whole; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 59 years, M. Helen (Turner) Belmont, and his sister, Rita Shlesinger, Robert A. Belmont is survived by his two sons, Bob (Amy) Belmont and Don (Pat) Belmont; two daughters, Sue Ras and Anne (Jim) Dobbertin; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Donald (Sally) Belmont; one sister, Mary Mack; one brother-in-law, Bill Sheslinger; and several nieces and nephews, as well as a legion of friends and community members who will long treasure his memory; and WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Robert A. Belmont's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself, will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Robert Andrew Belmont, Town of Richmond Supervisor, family man, and devoted member of his community, recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of public service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Robert Andrew Belmont.