Senate Resolution No. 3702

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Alphonse F. Leising,
meritorious veteran, 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, Alphonse F. Leising of Buffalo, New York, died on January
13, 2018, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a hospital he helped
build nearly seven decades ago; he was 97; and

WHEREAS, Born on December 4, 1920, on a farm in Swormsville,
Alphonse F. Leising was one of nine children; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse F. Leising served his country with honor and
distinction as a member of the United States Army Air Corps where he
refueled bombers during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Alphonse F.
Leising married the former Marie Griese in 1946, and together they had
six children; Marie died in 2007, just a year after celebrating their
60th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse F. Leising distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Alphonse F. Leising
worked on some of the region's biggest construction projects, including
the VA and the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston; he also built homes in
the post-war building boom that took place in the Town of Tonawanda; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he was later hired by WGR-TV, predecessor to
WGRZ, to build sets used on the station's news programs; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse F. Leising's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, A member of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church in Cheektowaga for
the past 60 years, Alphonse F. Leising was a true fixture in the
community and, up until a year ago, was still riding his bicycle and
helping neighbors with chores; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Marie, Alphonse F. Leising is
survived by three daughters, Margaret, Mary and Catherine; three sons,
Peter, Paul and John; and three sisters, Sister Dorothy, Sister Blanche,
Sister Florence, as well as 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Alphonse F. Leising 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 Alphonse F. Leising, meritorious veteran,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Alphonse F. Leising.