LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of former Mayor Edward Zugibe,
renowned public servant, 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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Edward Zugibe, the former Mayor of West Haverstraw, New York,
died on March 29, 2015, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 28, 1923, in Garnerville, New York, Edward
Zugibe was the son of Lebanese immigrants, Benjamin and Anna Zugibe; and
WHEREAS, Edward Zugibe attended local Haverstraw schools and worked in
the Capital Dye Factory before proudly serving his country as a member
of the United States Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II;
and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, Edward
Zugibe returned to his hometown and married his best friend and love of
his life, Mary Zorn, in June of 1948; and
WHEREAS, Edward Zugibe ventured into several businesses with his
brother, Paul, before opening up Zugibe and Son Hardware alongside his
wife, Mary, and then his son Edward Jr.; and
WHEREAS, While conducting business at his hardware store, Edward
Zugibe was approached by people inquiring about garbage pickup and road
repair; at this time, he entered politics with a goal of addressing the
concerns of community residents; and
WHEREAS, Passionately committed to civic engagement and the uplifting
of his community, Edward Zugibe served as a Trustee for the Village of
West Haverstraw from 1959-1972, and Mayor from 1972-2007; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Mayor Edward Zugibe was
elected to eight terms, and produced many notable achievements, includ-
ing the construction of two firehouses, the development of the village's
recreation area, and creation of the community center and Village Hall
complex; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his tremendous contribution, the Village
Hall and Community Center was renamed The Edward P. Zugibe Sr. West
Haverstraw Village Hall and Community Center in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Edward Zugibe was sincerely loved and greatly respected
by all those with whom he worked; committed to the people he repres-
ented, his State, and his Nation, he served the public with dignity,
dedication and incisive wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister Victoria and four brothers, Benja-
min, Victor (Paul), John, and Fredrick, Edward Zugibe is survived by his
loving wife of 66 years Mary; three children, Victoria, Valerie
(Charles), and Edward, Jr. (Eileen); and eight grandchildren, Erica
(Scott), Aaron, Nicholas (Rachel), James, Paul, Michael, Ashleigh, and
Candice; as well as one great-granddaughter, Emma; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Edward Zugibe 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 former Mayor Edward Zugibe, renowned public servant,
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 Edward Zugibe.