Assembly Resolution No. 526

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

MOURNING the death of Ferris George Akel II,
beloved father, grandfather, 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, Ferris George Akel II of Binghamton, New York died on
Friday, May 19, 2017, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, After the death of his father, 21 year old Ferris George
Akel II became responsible for both his family and the family business,
Binghamton Giant Markets, Inc.; in the evenings, he attended Harpur
College until his graduation in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Ferris George Akel II's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Ferris George Akel II served as
the Chairman of the Dr. G. Clifford and Florence B. Decker Foundation
for 28 years; since being Chairman, the foundation has given capital
grants to 99 non-profit organizations in the community; and

WHEREAS, Ferris George Akel II was also a member of the Board of
Directors for Binghamton University School of Management, United Health
Services, Inc., UHS Professional Home Care, Inc., UHS Twin Tier Home
Health, BSB Bank and Trust Company, The Binghamton Symphony, and the
Roberson Museum and Science Center, as well as many other organizations;
and

WHEREAS, For his dedicated service to his community, Ferris George
Akel II was awarded the Binghamton University Harpur Forum School of
Honor; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Delia, his
parents, George and Georgette Akel, Uncle Metrie "Mike", Aunt Renee, and
cousin, Lillian, Ferris George Akel II is survived by his loving wife of
55 years, Louise; five children, Stephanie, Nicole, Ferris III, Martine
and Philip; six grandchildren, Giuliana, Cameron, Finbarr, Fritz,
Isabelle and Madeline; and brothers/business partners, George and
Ronald, and many other loving family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Ferris George Akel II 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
mourning the death of Ferris George Akel II, beloved father,

grandfather, 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 Ferris George Akel II.