LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Jesse Edward Nash, Jr.
retired Canisius College Professor

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
Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. retired Canisius College Professor, on Wednesday,
May 11, 2016, at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, Professors, such as Jesse Edward Nash, Jr., who work to
improve our colleges and ensure that every student has access to a qual-
ity education, merits the highest commendation of this Legislative Body;
and
WHEREAS, A Buffalo, New York, native, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. was born
on February 22, 1926; he attended School 32 and graduated from Hutchin-
son-Central Technical High School; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. joined the faculty at Canisi-
us College in Buffalo, where he taught Sociology and Anthropology for 33
years before his retirement in 1998; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. earned his Master's degree in
sociology/anthropology from the University at Buffalo, where he was
recognized for his excellent research efforts at his graduation; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community in which he lived, worked and
played, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. served as both the Executive Director and
Program Developer of the Buffalo Model Cities component of the federal
program which sought to improve the physical, social and economic well-
being of inner-city residents across the Nation; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. was instrumental in
procuring citizen participation in other civic projects such as the
Buffalo Waterfront Alternatives Study, War Memorial Stadium Restoration
Project and the Erie Community College City Campus feasibility study for
a new physical education facility; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. was recognized for his key
role in establishing the health center on Buffalo's East Side which was
dedicated in his name; and
WHEREAS, From 1969-1973, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. served as a lecturer
in the department of Social, Philosophical and Historical Foundations at
the University of Buffalo's School of Graduate Education; in addition,
he spoke about sociology, African-American studies, architecture and
planning at prestigious schools such as Harvard, Cornell, Carnegie
Mellon and McMaster Universities; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. held the title of
Assistant Vice President/Affirmative Action Officer of the University at
Buffalo's Office of Finance and Management, a position he held until
1980; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. became the President of
Seventy-Eight Restoration, an organization concerned with neighborhood
preservation and economic development; in this capacity, he helped forge
the development of the Emerson Row apartments for low-income people; and
WHEREAS, Musically inclined, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. learned to play
several instruments by ear including the clarinet and piano; during the
late 1980s and early 1990s, he played trumpet in the Expansions, a trio
which also included his sons Jesse III on keyboards and George on drums;
and

WHEREAS, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. also organized and directed the Jesse
Nash 40 Voices Choir, which was the first choral group to appear on
television in Buffalo, on WBEN on Christmas Day in 1948; and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his profes-
sion and community, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. was the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades including Doctor of Humane Letters and the 1972
President's Medal by Canisius College, the 1991 Martin Luther King Jr.
Award, the 1958 Haupt Award for undergraduate sociological research and
the 1980 President's Award by the University at Buffalo, the 1975
Evers-Young Award by the Buffalo Urban League, the 1989 Educator of the
Year by the New York State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, the 1990
Medgar Evers Award by the Buffalo Branch NAACP, and the 1993 Governor's
Award for Distinguished Blacks in New York State, as well as the 1994
Red Jacket Community Service Award by the Buffalo and Erie County
Historical Society in 1994; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable educator was also a member of the state
Retired Teachers Association, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Alpha Sigma
Nu, the Jesuit national honor society; he was a member of the College
Council of SUNY Buffalo and the New York State commission on Minorities
in the Health-related Professions in Higher Education; and
WHEREAS, A life member of the NAACP, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. served as
Vice President of the Buffalo Urban League, and was a vital Board member
of Child and Family Services, Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, Erie
County Industrial Development Agency, Local 533 American Federation of
Musicians and Colored Musicians Club; and
WHEREAS, Since 1978, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. was a faithful member of
St. Philip's Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. is survived by his wife of 65 years,
the former Hortense Butts; two sons, Jesse III and George; and one
daughter, Deborah Nash Franklin; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Jesse
Edward Nash, Jr. touched the lives of thousands of people, and the
Buffalo community he served; he leaves a legacy of learning and commit-
ment 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 Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. a man of
great faith, compassion and achievement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Jesse Edward Nash, Jr., to celebrate his life,
and to acknowledge the significance of his contributions to education in
Buffalo, New York and the entire State of New York; and be it further
.SO DOC A R1466 RESO TEXT 2015
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Jesse Edward Nash, Jr. with the deepest condo-
lences of this Legislative Body.