Senate Resolution No. 1511

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Richard E. Alexander upon the occasion
of his induction into the 2023 Oneida County History
Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of their area; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Richard E. Alexander upon the occasion of his induction into the
2023 Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends
Hall of Fame, to be honored at the annual Historical Hall of Fame and
Living Legends Awards Celebration at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica,
New York on Thursday, October 19, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1946, the Historical Hall of Fame honors
individuals from Oneida County whom have made an impact on the community
and the world; its goal is to ensure that noteworthy people in the
Oneida community and their achievements are recorded in local history;
and

WHEREAS, Born in Utica, New York in 1933, Richard Alexander is a
Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; and

WHEREAS, After attending local schools and graduating with honors
from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Richard Alexander was appointed
to the United States Naval Civil Engineers Corps and enrolled in the
Naval School of Justice; and

WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge from service, Richard
Alexander returned to Utica and joined his family business, Dick Tile &
Marble Company; then, he founded Alexander and Edgebrook Construction
Companies in 1974, where he served as President and CEO until his
retirement in 2018; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated entrepreneur, Richard Alexander opened several
hotels in the region including the Ramada Inn New Hartford, Airport
Ramada Inn Oriskany, Inn Best Western Carriage House, and the Inn @81 in
Watertown; he also established 14 other successful companies, such as
the Mohawk Valley State Bank; and

WHEREAS, An avid philanthropist, Richard Alexander has helped raise
money for a myriad of organizations, like the Hope House, Dodge Ponds,
Scouting USA, and the Urban Mission Answer to a Prayer; giving back to
the community, he established a scholarship in his father's name at
Utica University and his dedication to supporting individuals with
disabilities led him to purchase, remodel, and donate the Jefferson
Rehabilitation Center; and

WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New
York and beyond, Richard E. Alexander devoted his entire life to making
communities a better place for its citizens to live, work, and play; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has an immensely beautiful life
built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; he is one of the
most significant and enduring civic and political leaders in the County
of Oneida, and his insight and strength will forever serve the countless
people he has touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Richard E. Alexander upon the occasion of his induction into the
2023 Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends
Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard E. Alexander.