Honor Senator Jerome Wilson

Senate Resolution No. 2555 BY: Senator BRESLIN MOURNING the death of former New York State Senator Jerome L. Wilson, dedicated political leader and strong advocate for the people of this great Empire State WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, Jerome L. Wilson, a former resident of New York City, died on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Jerome Linwood Wilson was born to William and Hazel (Hutchins) Wilson on July 16, 1931, in Washington, D.C.; after graduating from Howe Military Academy, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Colgate University; and WHEREAS, Jerome L. Wilson proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force until 1957; upon completion of his military service, he worked in public relations for six years with the National Urban League; and WHEREAS, In 1963, Jerome L. Wilson began his career in politics when he was elected to the New York State Senate, representing Manhattan's 22nd District, and later, the 30th District; and WHEREAS, As Chair of the Public Welfare Committee, Senator Jerome L. Wilson championed initiatives to amend the law on September 1, 1967, adding four new grounds for divorce: cruel treatment, abandonment for two years, the sentencing of a spouse to prison for five years or more, and a couple's living voluntarily apart for at least two years; and WHEREAS, After three terms, Senator Jerome L. Wilson became an on-air news correspondent for WCBS-TV in New York, and then assumed the position of Political Editor; and WHEREAS, While serving in the Senate and working on television, Senator Jerome L. Wilson furthered his education by obtaining his Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law, and in 1973, joined the firm of Rogers & Wells, where he practiced until 1999; during this time, he also served as counsel to the former New York News Publishers Association; and WHEREAS, Senator Jerome L. Wilson is survived by his wife, Ursula Anna (Thron) Wilson; four daughters, Janet, Sarah, Marion and Emma; two stepsons, Christian and Dirk; six grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Senator Jerome L. Wilson was a resolute and great voice for Manhattan's East Side and New York State as a whole; his zeal and dedication to his constituents, his ability to put together deals, and his vision for the future helped his community persevere during a time when the State was the last one to uphold an 18th Century law limiting the grounds for divorce; and WHEREAS, Loyal friend, trusted advisor, ardent fighter for the causes in which he so strongly believed, the accomplishments of Senator Jerome L. Wilson are legend; and WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence and commitment that Senator Jerome L. Wilson brought to his work as a legislator and public policy-maker; this remarkable man 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 in a moment of silent tribute to Senator Jerome L. Wilson, whose unselfish concern for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so fortunate to have called him family, colleague and friend, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of former New York State Senator Jerome L. Wilson, dedicated political leader and strong advocate for the people of this great Empire State; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Senator Jerome L. Wilson.