LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert Summerville, dedi-
cated school board leader, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life and
accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and dedication
significantly enhanced the quality of education in their community; and
WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing of
Robert Summerville, dedicated school board leader, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community, on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the
age of 80; and
WHEREAS, The American public school system is a treasured institution;
those individuals, such as Robert Summerville, who work to improve our
schools and ensure that all children have access to quality educational
programs merit the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Robert Summerville was born to Arthur Summerville and Lee
Hall on March 2, 1936, in Bude, Mississippi; after high school, he
attended Jackson State University; and
WHEREAS, After moving to New York, Robert Summerville studied at
Nassau Community College and New York University, where he earned his
Associate degree in Real Estate; and
WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, Robert Summerville was an integral
part of the Roosevelt, New York, community; and
WHEREAS, After working in law enforcement for a decade, Robert Summer-
ville owned and operated an oil-delivery business and chimney service
for many years; during this time, he hosted a local radio program; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community in which he lived and worked,
Robert Summerville was a member of numerous worthy organizations includ-
ing the Roosevelt NAACP, Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce, Long Island
Progressive Coalition, Black Farmers Association, and New York Civil
Liberties Union as well as the Roosevelt Watch Society; and
WHEREAS, A strong advocate for the children of Roosevelt, Robert
Summerville served on the School Board on and off for 17 years; during a
financial crisis, he was the Board's only elected member, serving as the
only local voice for his community; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Robert Summerville, the
Roosevelt School District slowly climbed out of debt, freeing the middle
school from state receivership and the stigma of being labelled a strug-
gling school; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man truly believed in the children of Roose-
velt School District, demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unpar-
alleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm to continually improving
the quality of educational programs and opportunities offered to its
faculty and students as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, Truly devoted to his position, Robert Summerville worked up
to his last days to improve the schools, making them a place where
students could thrive and flourish, and providing them the tools and
skills to become successful citizens; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long and distinguished tenure on the
Roosevelt School Board, Robert Summerville touched the lives of thou-
sands of people, and the Long Island community he served; he leaves a
legacy of learning and commitment which will long endure; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legisla-
tive Body is moved to mourn the death of Robert Summerville, a man of
great fortitude, compassion and achievement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Robert Summerville, to celebrate his life, and

to acknowledge the significance of his contributions to education in
Roosevelt, New York and the entire State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert Summerville.