Honor Gary Jenkins’ Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 3140 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Gary A. Jenkins, prominent entertainment attorney, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Gary A. Jenkins was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Gary A. Jenkins, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Gary A. Jenkins, Esq. of Scarsdale, New York, died on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at the age of 58, due to complications related to the novel coronavirus; and WHEREAS, Serving as counsel to Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP, Gary Alexander Jenkins was born on February 25, 1962, in Valley Stream, New York; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Princeton University and Columbia Law School, Gary A. Jenkins gained valuable experience as an associate at Werner, Kennedy & French, where he worked in the insurance litigation department; he also worked as a clerk for Justice Bernard Fuchs of the Kings County Civil and Supreme Court, and as a housing specialist for City Council President Andrew Stein; and WHEREAS, In 1990, Gary A. Jenkins was named the General Manager Emeritus of Uptown/MCA, one of the most successful urban boutique independent labels of all time, where he helped bring to market such platinum artists as Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G, Jodeci, Guy, the late Heavy D, and Al B.Sure!; and WHEREAS, An early mentor to Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Gary A. Jenkins further served as one of the music supervisors on the Uptown/MCA produced film "Strictly Business," which featured Oscar winner Halle Berry in her first feature film role; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man's entertainment client list over the past two decades includes such successful artists, producers, songwriters, and record labels as French Montana, Freddie Jackson, Trackmasterz, Dame Grease, The Wu-Tang Clan, Tekashi 69, 95 South, 69 Boyz, Mobb Deep, Soul IV Real, Monie Love, Onyx, Khia, Nice 'n Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Kool G Rap, the late Jam Master Jay, Trick Daddy, The Russell Simmons Music Group, DMX, Brand Nubians, Ralph Tresvant, 1738 Productions (Monty, Fetty Wap), and Waka Flocka Flame; and WHEREAS, In addition to his busy entertainment law practice, Gary A. Jenkins worked with bar and restaurant owners, as well as those in contract negotiations and those working to obtain the various licenses from the New York State Liquor Authority necessary for functioning; and WHEREAS, A true pillar in his community, Gary A. Jenkins founded Any Port in a Storm (APIAS), a foundation established to eradicate Autism and all the societal inequities it creates; and WHEREAS, Gary A. Jenkins is survived by his wife, Maria C. Jenkins; three step-children, Catherine, Alec and Joshua Jones; his mother, Marie A. Jenkins, and a brother, Dr. Wallace Jenkins; as well as many cousins and dear friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Gary A. Jenkins 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 Gary A. Jenkins, prominent entertainment attorney, distinguished citizen 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 Gary A. Jenkins, Esq.