Senate Resolution No. 5675

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Charles Abba posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the Schenectady City School District Athletic
Hall of Fame on September 17, 2018

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical
development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the
future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a
standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and
developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those outstanding athletes who inspired and brought pride
to their school and community by achieving outstanding success in
competition, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of
personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Charles Abba posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Schenectady City School District Athletic
Hall of Fame to be celebrated at a Special Legacy Tribute during the
21st Annual Schenectady County Athletic Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner
to be celebrated on Monday, September 17, 2018, at Glen Sanders Mansion
in Scotia, New York; and

WHEREAS, Charles Abba, affectionately known as Chuck, was a 1944
graduate of Mont Pleasant High School where he was a vital member of the
undefeated 1942 football team, and served as co-Captain of the 1943
team; and

WHEREAS, Charles Abba proudly served his country as a member of the
Army Air Corps from 1944-1946; upon the completion of his service, he
attended Union College where he was a lineman on the undefeated 1949
Union College Football Team; and

WHEREAS, After receiving his degree, Charles Abba began his
distinguished teaching career at Nott Terrace High School where he also
served as the Assistant Football Coach, and Coach of both the JV
Basketball and JV Baseball Teams; and

WHEREAS, Later, Charles Abba held the titles of Administrator and
Superintendent of Schools in the Schenectady City School District; and

WHEREAS, Charles Abba was the recipient of the 1980 Union College
Alumni Gold Medal and was inducted into the Schenectady City School
District Hall of Fame; in 1998, he served as the guest speaker at the
first Reunion Dinner; and

WHEREAS, Charles Abba died on Friday, May 12, 2017, at his home in
Largo, Florida, at the age of 91; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Chuck Abba for his
extraordinary athletic accomplishments which is a tribute to his skill,
dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Charles Abba posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Schenectady City School District Athletic
Hall of Fame on September 17, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Charles Abba.