Assembly Resolution No. 59

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

HONORING the life of Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola,
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, Guido Alfonso Loyola died on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the
age of 74; and

WHEREAS, On December 20, 1949, Guido Alfonso Loyola was born to the
late Earl and Beryl (Brothers) Loyola in New York City; after graduating
from high school, he attained his Bachelor of Arts degree from State
University of New York at New Paltz; later, he earned his Master of
Political Science degree from Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers
University; and

WHEREAS, Guido Alfonso Loyola attended Albany Law School; he
obtained his legal license while fulfilling his duties as a clerk with a
licensed attorney in Schenectady, New York, and was admitted to the New
York State Bar Association in 1980; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Guido Alfonso Loyola operated his private
legal practice; in 1983, he served briefly on the Schenectady City
Council; from 1984-1989, he served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the
City of Schenectady; in 1989, he worked part-time as City Court Judge
and was elected to serve a full term in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola was re-elected in 2003 and 2013,
ultimately serving Schenectady for 30 years until his mandatory
retirement in 2019 at the age of 70; during his tenure, he also served
as Judge in the Family and County Courts and Supervising Judge for City
Courts for the entire Fourth Judicial District; he played an active role
in the Legal Aid Society and the Carver Community Center; and

WHEREAS, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola was greatly admired by all who
knew him, including his peers, described as respected, competent, and
hard-working; he served the City of Schenectady with distinction,
remembered as generous with his time and fair to attorneys' clients;
though he regarded his position as serious, he brought a sense of humor
to it, always quick with a joke for his colleagues and loved ones; he
was also an avid fan of Union College hockey; and

WHEREAS, Most important to Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola was performing
weddings; on December 6, 2019, he was honored with a Ceremonial
Resolution by the City Council in recognition of his retirement; this
document noted that, as City Judge, he would even halt court proceedings
to perform weddings; and

WHEREAS, During his 36 years of service to his community, Judge
Guido Alfonso Loyola dedicated his life to the City of Schenectady;

fulfilling his duties as a member of the City Council, a part of the
City Administration, and City Court Judge distinguished him as the first
individual to serve in all three branches of Schenectady's Government;
and

WHEREAS, On June 28, 2024, the courtroom in City Hall, in which
Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola presided over weddings and proceedings, was
named "The Honorable Guido A. Loyola Courtroom" in his honor; a plaque
and his photo are displayed outside the courtroom; and

WHEREAS, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola is survived by his loving
husband, Leonard Herman; brother, Lorenso Loyola; godsister, Linda
Chase; nieces and nephews, Larry, Kriza, Terry, and Philipe; cousins,
Craig Green, Joann Green, Loreto, and Letty; and second cousins,
Margaret and Ray; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola 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
honor the life of Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola, 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 Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola.