LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Rickey Elliott, distin-
guished 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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Rickey Elliott of Rochester, New York died on Thursday,
February 20, 2014 at the age of 39; and
WHEREAS, Born in Rochester, New York in 1975 to Lenora Elliott and the
late Walter Brown, Sr., Rickey Elliott graduated from John Marshall High
School in 1993, at which time he accepted a position working for Kodak;
and
WHEREAS, Upon leaving Kodak, Rickey Elliott began working for the
University of Rochester in 1994 as a cook and became active in his
union, the Healthcare Workers of 1199; and
WHEREAS, A natural leader, Rickey Elliott became a union delegate, a
member of the contract negotiating committee, and in 2000, a full-time
union organizer; and
WHEREAS, Rickey Elliott distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, With his warmth, talent, incredible competence, humor, char-
isma, courage and strength, Rickey Elliott was elected to the esteemed
position of Vice-President in 2007, and was a prodigious organizer of
workers both far and wide; and
WHEREAS, Rickey Elliott's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A social activist, Rickey Elliott was actively involved in
the Stop the Violence Campaign in Rochester, New York; his legacy as a
movement leader will live on through the countless organizers and young
people he mentored; and
WHEREAS, Rickey Elliott truly treasured his family, and his children
and grandchildren were a special sense of pride for him; he found great
joy in spending time with them and attending their sporting events,
dances and plays; and
WHEREAS, Rickey Elliott is survived by his wife, Shonta; children,
Whitley, Whitney, Rickey Jr., Shemere, Breahna, Eric, Channel, and Khal-
il; grandchildren, Olivia and Cam'Marie; sisters, Jacqueline (Christo-
pher), Wanda (Cornell), Lillian (Nate) and Chasity; brothers, Broderick
(Nina), Andre (April), Isaac (Trudine), Walter Jr. and Dean (Shelena);
best friend, Dana Alas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cous-
ins who will always cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Rickey Elliott 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
mourn the death of Rickey Elliott, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Rickey Elliott.