Honor Chuckie Holstein’s Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 1311 BY: Senator MAY MOURNING the death of Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein, distinguished citizen, committed civic leader, and devoted member of her 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 this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein of Central New York, died on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the age of 100; and WHEREAS, Born to Morris and Esther Garelick in 1925, Chuckie Holstein was raised as the youngest of six children in Rochester, New York; and WHEREAS, An alumnus of SUNY Brockport, Chuckie Holstein was the first in her family to attend college, and in 1946 she made the move to Syracuse, New York, after marrying her late husband, Alex Holstein; and WHEREAS, With a passion for public service, Chuckie Holstein began her career as a teacher, and she quickly became a self-described "citizen trustee" in Central New York, which is an individual who engages in everyday acts of service; and WHEREAS, When Chuckie Holstein entered public service, she was often one of the few women amongst male decision-makers; this disparity inspired her to commit to elevating women and expanding opportunities for future generations of leaders; and WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein devoted her life to civic engagement, women's leadership, and community improvement; her efforts helped create Meals on Wheels and she was a co-founder of Leadership Greater Syracuse and FOCUS Greater Syracuse, which are two programs that train and inspire generations of local leaders; and WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein's commitment to excellence and her spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein's leadership guided dozens of boards focused on education, health care, the arts, elder care, neighborhood development, and human rights; she served as a leader with the American Jewish Committee and the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Human Rights; and WHEREAS, As a champion of inclusiveness, democracy, and community responsibility, Chuckie Holstein traveled the world representing Syracuse, the United States, and women at international conferences; and WHEREAS, A recognized servant leader and visionary, Chuckie Holstein received numerous honors, including honorary doctorates from Le Moyne College and Syracuse University, and she earned SUNY Brockport's Hall of Heritage award; and WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein is survived by her four loving children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Chuckie Holstein leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein, distinguished citizen, committed public servant, and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein.