LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Honorable Edward O. Spain upon the
occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service as
Appellate Court Judge of the New York State Supreme Court

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
individuals whose lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence
and who bring great pride to the citizens of our great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Honorable Edward O. Spain upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service as Appellate Court Judge of the New
York State Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will be celebrated at the Friends of
the Albany Children's Center's 21st Annual Reception in support of The
Children's Center at Albany County Family Court, on Tuesday, April 22,
2014, at Taste Restaurant, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Troy, New York, Judge Edward O. Spain
attended LaSalle Institute before continuing his education at Boston
College and Albany Law School; he honorably served as a Lieutenant in
the United States Navy JAG Corps from 1967 to 1969; and
WHEREAS, Judge Edward O. Spain began his ascent through the judicial
ranks when he was elected Troy Police Court judge in 1977; and
WHEREAS, From Police Court, Judge Edward O. Spain was elected to Rens-
selaer County Family Court and then to State Supreme Court in the 3rd
Judicial District; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, Judge Edward O. Spain was appointed an associate
justice of the Appellate Division of the 3rd Department by former Gover-
nor Mario M. Cuomo; he also served as the administrative judge of the
3rd Judicial District; and
WHEREAS, Judge Edward O. Spain officially retired on December 31,
2013, ending his 36 year judicial career by returning to his roots and
swearing in seven members of the City Council before 125 people in the
Rensselaer County Court House; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his judicial posts, Judge Edward O. Spain has
devoted countless hours to civic and community activities, including the
City of Troy Human Rights Commission; he also served on the School Board
of Sacred Heart School, as well as on the Board of Directors of both the
Troy Boys and Girls Club and Unity House; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Judge Edward O. Spain served as Chair of the
Unified Court System's Statewide Advisory Committee on Attorneys for
Children, and is the former Chair of the New York State Bar Associ-
ation's Committee on Children and the Law; and
WHEREAS, Judge Edward O. Spain has been the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades some of which include, the Howard Levine Child
Welfare and Juvenile Justice Award by the New York State Bar Associ-
ation, the Felix Aulisi Award by New York State Trial Lawyers, the Pres-
ident's Award by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Man of the
Year by the Friends of 112th Street; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Kathy, their
six children, and 16 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Judge Edward O. Spain over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedi-
cation to others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and honor Judge Edward O. Spain upon the occasion of his
retirement, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeav-
ors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Edward O. Spain.