Honor George F. Akel, Jr.

Senate Resolution No. 1764 BY: Senator AKSHAR MOURNING the death of George F. Akel, Jr., committed businessman, dedicated family man and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body mourns the passing of George F. Akel, Jr. of Binghamton, New York, who died on May 22, 2019, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, Born on January 29, 1935, in Binghamton, George F. Akel, Jr. was the son of George and Georgette Akel; and WHEREAS, From a very young age, George F. Akel, Jr. was devoted to his family business, Binghamton Giant Markets, which was established in

1933 by his father George and Uncle Metrie; and WHEREAS, George F. Akel, Jr. graduated salutatorian from both Binghamton Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business; after completing his studies, he returned home to work with his brothers, Ferris and Ronnie, to grow their family's grocery business and diversify into real estate; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, George F. Akel, Jr. had been an active member of many organizations throughout his adult life, always striving to improve the well-being of his beloved hometown; he served on the boards of many outstanding associations, including: SUNY-Broome Community College, McFarland Johnson, NYSERDA, Regional Advisory Board of Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Regional Advisory Board of M&T Bank, Willow Run Foods, Tri-Cities Opera, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Foundation, ACHIEVE Foundation and the Broome County IDA; he also wholeheartedly supported many local charities such as CHOW (BCCC) and the Broome County Humane Society; and WHEREAS, Outside of work, George F. Akel, Jr. made the most of his life; he skied in Lech with friends and traveled to France and Beirut to see family; he loved opera and was fortunate to have seen his favorite masterpieces in different venues; despite his adventures "abroad," his heart was always in his beloved Binghamton, whether enjoying the company of his many friends, golfing, playing bridge, or tending to his cat, Bissey; and WHEREAS, A congregant of Trinity Church, George F. Akel, Jr. was predeceased by his grandmother, Delia; his parents, George and Georgette; brother, Ferris; Uncle Metrie; Aunt Renee; Aunt Yvette; and cousin Lillian; he is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Sara "Sally"; his three children, Andrea (Ib), George (Laura), and Jeffrey (Erin); six grandchildren, Sadie, Owen, Callie, Zane, Zach, and Alexander; one brother, Ronald (Beth); a sister-in-law, Louise; his Uncle Antoine (Janine); first cousins, Yvette, Madeline, and Renee; and his nieces and nephews, Stephanie (Jeff), Nicole (Paul), Ferris, Martine (John), Philip (Bridget), Donald and Kara (John); as well as many other cousins and friends; and WHEREAS, While his strong work ethic and diplomatic style will be remembered by the business community, George F. Akel, Jr.'s family and friends will remember him as a kind, modest and principled man; a consummate gentleman, a loyal friend and husband, and a loving father and grandfather, he reveled in the joy of both his children and his grandchildren's lives and his legacy will live on through them; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, George F. Akel, Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of George F. Akel, Jr., and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of George F. Akel, Jr.