2013-J4263

Mourning the death of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., founder and owner of the NFL's Buffalo Bills, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

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2013-J4263


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.,
founder and owner of the NFL's Buffalo Bills, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality
of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 17, 1918, in Columbus, Ohio, Ralph C. Wilson,
Jr. died on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. grew up in Detroit, Michigan, graduated
from the University of Virginia, and attended the University of Michigan
Law School; and
WHEREAS, At the University of Virginia, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. joined
the Phi Delta Theta fraternity; and
WHEREAS, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. enlisted in the United States Navy and
served his country in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during
World War II; and
WHEREAS, After the war ended, he took over the successful insurance
business of his father and invested in Michigan area mines and facto-
ries; he eventually purchased several manufacturing outlets,
construction firms, and radio stations, and founded Ralph Wilson Indus-
tries; and
WHEREAS, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, The founder and owner of the NFL's Buffalo Bills, Ralph C.
Wilson, Jr. was also one of the founding owners of the American Football
League, the league that the NFL merged with in 1970, and was the last of
the original AFL owners; and
WHEREAS, Under the ownership of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., the Buffalo
Bills won four consecutive AFL Championships, 1990-1993, making them one
of the most successful teams of that era; and
WHEREAS, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. was inducted into the PRO FOOTBALL HALL
OF FAME on August 8, 2009; at the time of his death, he was the oldest
owner in the National Football League; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. 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 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., founder and owner of the NFL's
Buffalo Bills, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his communi-
ty; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.

actions

  • 25 / Mar / 2014
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 27 / Mar / 2014
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 27 / Mar / 2014
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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