Bill Text: NY J00165 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourning the death of John P. Copanas, dedicated public servant, and devoted member of his community

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-01-10 - ADOPTED [J00165 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J00165-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 165

BY: Senator MAY

        MOURNING  the  death of John P. Copanas, dedicated
        public servant, 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,  John  P.  Copanas of Syracuse, New York, died on Thursday,
November 24, 2022, at the age of 65; and

  WHEREAS, A proud graduate of  Nottingham  High  School  and  LeMoyne
College,  John  P.  Copanas  worked for the City of Syracuse for over 40
years; he served as City Clerk for 30 years, and held  the  position  of
Deputy  Commissioner  of  both  the  Department  of Public Works, and of
Aviation; and

  WHEREAS, John P. Copanas distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

  WHEREAS,  Possessing  a  great  depth   of   knowledge   surrounding
Syracuse's  history  and  laws,  John P. Copanas was renowned by Council
members for his meaningful advice and guidance regarding the passage  of
legislation and handling constituent concerns; and

  WHEREAS,  A  man of loyalty and principle, John P. Copanas was vital
to the successes and growth of the City of Syracuse and its  operations;
and

  WHEREAS,  John  P. Copanas' commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over  into  all  fields  of  enterprise,  including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

  WHEREAS,  In 2011, when same-sex marriage was legalized in New York,
John P. Copanas opened Syracuse City Hall on a Sunday to begin  granting
marriage licenses as soon as possible; and

  WHEREAS,  Loyal  to  his  City,  John  P. Copanas was an avid fan of
Syracuse University basketball and football; he  loved  taking  care  of
animals  and  also  enjoyed  the city's parks, Syracuse Stage, and other
local theaters; and

  WHEREAS, John P. Copanas is survived by his brother, George Copanas,
as well as his uncle, Dean Vlassis (Dodie), and numerous beloved cousins
and friends; and

  WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a  sense  of
compassion,  John  P.  Copanas  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  John  P.  Copanas,  dedicated public servant, 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 John P. Copanas.