Senate Resolution No. 2473

BY: Senator RYAN

MOURNING the death of George J. Measer, Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
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, George J. Measer, Jr., died on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at
the age of 98; and

WHEREAS, On June 10, 1925, George J. Measer, Jr., the second of two
sons, was born to George John Measer, Sr., and Eugenie (Snyder) Measer;
he attended Academy Street School and graduated from the Rochester
Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1948; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, Private George J. Measer, Jr., proudly
served his country with the 88th Infantry in North Africa and Italy,
earning a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantry Badge; his name was added to
the Amherst Veterans Memorial in 2014; and

WHEREAS, While attending RIT, George J. Measer, Jr., met Joan
Moesel; the couple married in 1948 and were blessed with a son and two
daughters; and

WHEREAS, The Amherst Bee was established in March of 1879 and was
purchased by George J. Measer, Sr., in 1907; he published the newspaper
until his death in 1965; and

WHEREAS, George J. Measer, Jr., was Publisher of the Amherst Bee
from 1965-1994 when he retired, passing the newspaper company to his
son, George J. Measer III; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of George J. Measer, Jr., many
regional newspapers were developed, including the Clarence Bee, Depew
Bee, Lancaster Enterprise, and Depew Herald; and

WHEREAS, George J. Measer, Jr., earned numerous awards during his
career in the newspaper business; one of the most momentous honors, the
Amos Award from the National Newspaper Association (NNA), which
recognizes distinguished service and contributions to the nation's
community press, was given to him in 1990; he was also listed as one of
the "Top 100 Most Influential People in Western New York" by Buffalo
Business First; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, George J. Measer, Jr., received many
community accolades, including Distinguished Service and Community
Service awards and a 50-year membership plaque from the Williamsville
Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Other titles George J. Measer, Jr., held were President of
the New York Press Association, Director of the Buffalo Club and the

Buffalo Quarterback Club, and Member of the Buffalo-Fort Erie Friendship
Festival International Committee; he was heavily involved in community
and civic organizations, colleges, boards, conferences, committees,
social clubs, and other associations; and

WHEREAS, George J. Measer, Jr., is survived by his son, George J.
Measer III (Catherine); daughters, Karen G. Hadala (Thomas) and Kimberly
J. Sindall (Donald); grandsons, Michael A. (Kara) Measer, Robert J.
(Lisa) Measer, and Tom (Elizabeth) Hadala; granddaughters, Melissa K.
Haentges (Measer), Lauren (Andrew) Bergren (Sindall), and Christine
(David) Pelland (Sindall); and 11 great-grandchildren; he was
predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Joan Measer (nee Moesel), on
September 21, 2009, and his brother, Robert Measer, in 1963; and

WHEREAS, George J. Measer, Jr., leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to family, friends, and fellow publishers; the Measer name continues at
the Bee, with the third and fourth generations proudly serving the needs
of the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of George J. Measer, Jr., 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 George J. Measer, Jr.