 
Senate Resolution No. 3284
 
BY: Senator AKSHAR
 
        MOURNING   the  death  of  Gerard  Grace,  retired
        Binghamton Police Officer, family  man  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;  Gerard  Grace  was one such
individual; and
 
  WHEREAS,  It  is  with  great  sorrow  and  deep  regret  that  this
Legislative  Body  records  the  passing  of  Gerard  Grace,  noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
 
  WHEREAS, Gerard "Jerry" Grace  of  Binghamton,  New  York,  died  on
Friday,  June  19,  2020,  at  the age of 69, after a heroic battle with
cancer; and
 
  WHEREAS, Born to Bill and Kay Grace  in  Binghamton,  New  York,  on
April 20, 1951, Gerard Grace attended Catholic schools where he excelled
in  cross  country  and  track, holding the record for the mile for many
years; furthermore, as  a  basketball  player  he  earned  the  nickname
Leapin' Leon for his abilities at the rim; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Gerard  Grace went on to earn a degree in Hotel Restaurant
Management from Sullivan County  Community  College;  his  infamous  red
Mustang  took  him  on many adventures away from home, but his heart and
love belonged to Binghamton, where he reconnected with his  high  school
sweetheart, Nancy; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Gerard  Grace distinguished himself in his profession as a
Binghamton Police Officer and by his sincere dedication and  substantial
contribution  to  the  welfare  of  his  community;  his  commitment  to
excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields  of
enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and
 
  WHEREAS, Upon retiring from the Binghamton Police Department after a
distinguished 29-year career as a patrolman, Gerard Grace began a second
career  as  a  part-time  substitute  teacher's  aide for the Binghamton
School District; and
 
  WHEREAS, Spending time with his family meant the world to him;  they
traveled  yearly  to  the  Jersey  Shore and the Gettysburg battlefield,
where he instilled in his children his passion for history; and
 
  WHEREAS, Gerard  Grace  was  an  amazing  man,  gifted  with  humor,
compassion, introspection, style and grace; his daughters were his pride
and  joy, he loved spending time with family, enjoying his pets, playing
the guitar, barbequing, a cold Labatt's, landscaping, home improvements,
a good round of golf, and the Mets; and
 
  WHEREAS, Furthermore, his life was a portrait of service,  a  legacy
which  will  long  endure  the  passing  of  time,  and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Predeceased  by  his  parents,  William  and  Kathryn; and
brother-in-law, James; Gerard Grace is survived  by  his  beloved  wife,
Nancy  (Stein);  two  daughters,  Aimee  (Ernest) and Melanie; siblings,
William (Nancy), Mary Beth (Kate),  and  Patti  Ann  (Mickey);  and  his
sisters  and brothers-in-law, Mary (Grant), Thomas (Lisa), Carol (Mark),
Rosemary (Joe), and  Delorme;  he  was  also  beloved  by  many  nieces,
nephews,  great-nieces and nephews, loyal cousins, and faithful friends;
and
 
  WHEREAS, Gerard Grace name is synonymous  with  character,  dignity,
intellect,  depth  and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all
those who were fortunate enough to have known him;  he  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  to
mourn  the  death  of  Gerard  Grace, retired Binghamton Police Officer,
family man 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 Gerard Grace.
GERARD GRACE-mourn the death

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