Honor Harris Samuels’ Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 451 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Harris J. Samuels, Esq. upon the occasion of his retirement as Assistant County Attorney after 37 years of dedicated service to the Oneida County Department of Law on February 2, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those singular individuals who devote their purposeful lives and careers to preserving the rights and protecting the welfare of the citizens of their community and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Oneida County community has been ably served and uniquely enriched through the selfless dedication and benevolent concern of Assistant County Attorney Harris J. Samuels, Esq.; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Harris J. Samuels, Esq. upon the occasion of his retirement as Assistant County Attorney after 37 years of dedicated service to the Oneida County Department of Law, to be celebrated at a dinner held in his honor on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at Daniele at Valley View in Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, Harris J. Samuels earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Political Science and Psychology from Union College in 1972; he furthered his education by obtaining his Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law in June of 1975; and WHEREAS, In February of 1976, Harris J. Samuels was admitted to the New York Bar, and subsequently, began practicing law at the firm of his father, Burrel Samuels, Esq.; in 1977, he became his father's partner, and the firm was renamed Samuels & Samuels; today, he continues to work at the thriving law practice; and WHEREAS, On January 1, 1980, Harris J. Samuels began his long and distinguished career as an Assistant County Attorney with the Oneida County Department of Law; on January 3, 2017, he officially retired from this position after 37 years of dedicated service; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 34 years, Mary, and their two children, David (Erica) and Ruth (Scott), as well as one grandson, Calvin, feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Throughout a life and career of purposeful endeavor, Harris J. Samuels has remained true to his commitment, serving family, faith and community, as well as the law; his contributions and accomplishments have brought great benefit and positive influence to bear upon the course of jurisprudence and the quality of life for others; and WHEREAS, Assistant County Attorney Harris J. Samuels, in every capacity in which he served, has left his permanent mark on the criminal justice community and will forever be remembered as a determined, innovative and genuinely concerned expert in his field; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Harris J. Samuels, Esq. upon the occasion of his retirement as Assistant County Attorney after 37 years of dedicated service to the Oneida County Department of Law, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Harris J. Samuels, Esq.