Bill Text: NY J00287 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourning the death of Robert J. Long Jr., devoted educator, distinguished citizen and beloved member of his community

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-01-24 - ADOPTED [J00287 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J00287-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 287

BY: Senator PALUMBO

        MOURNING  the death of Robert J. Long Jr., devoted
        educator, distinguished citizen and  beloved  member
        of his community

  WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through  their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable  positive
impact  on  the  lives of its residents; Robert J. Long Jr. was one such
individual; and

  WHEREAS, It is with  profound  sorrow  and  deep  regret  that  this
Legislative  Body  records the passing of Robert J. Long Jr., noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert  J.  Long  Jr.,  East  Quogue  Superintendent   and
Principal  renowned  for his kindness, generosity, and for making school
feel like home, died on August 9, 2022, at the age of 53; and

  WHEREAS, A resident of Hampton Bays, New York, Robert  J.  Long  Jr.
began  his  illustrious  career  as  an  administrator  when  he  became
Principal of East Quogue  School  in  2000;  he  never  left  the  small
district, ultimately taking over the Superintendent's role in 2015; and

  WHEREAS,  Universally  adored by staff, students and parents, Robert
J.  Long Jr. treated the school and the  larger  East  Quogue  community
with the same care and love he showed his own family; and

  WHEREAS,  A  truly selfless man of indomitable faith and dedication,
Robert J. Long Jr. continued to show up to work  for  the  students  and
staff  while  battling  cancer  and  steering  the  district through the
unchartered waters of a global pandemic; and

  WHEREAS, In addition to treating his  students,  staff  and  parents
with  an  uncommon level of care, empathy and dedication, Robert J. Long
Jr. will be remembered for the vast improvements he  made  to  both  the
facilities  and  educational  programs  offered  at  East  Quogue School
District; and

  WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Robert J. Long Jr.,  the  East
Quogue School District brought back teachers who had been previously let
go,  built  an  expansive  vegetable garden and began offering the Earth
Rangers after-school club, underwent the construction of  a  sixth-grade
wing,  as  well  as  a greenhouse, fully renovated playground, and added
several outdoor classroom spaces; and

  WHEREAS, Furthermore, this devoted educator worked closely with  the
Board   of   Education   to   secure   state   aid   for  free  full-day
pre-kindergarten  for  East  Quogue  families;  an   expansive   outdoor
amphitheater for concerts and assemblies was also completed in the final
days of this past school year; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert J. Long Jr.'s ability to form close, familial bonds
with students of all ages was a natural  extension  of  the  same  love,
energy and enthusiasm he had as a husband and father; and

  WHEREAS,  While  he  was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was spending time with  his  beloved  wife,  Dawn,  and
their two beautiful daughters, Meghan and Shannon; and

  WHEREAS,  For  as  much effort as he invested in both his own family
and his school family, Robert J. Long Jr. also found time for personally
enriching  projects;  he  was  an  avid   runner,   completing   several
half-marathons,  and  was a talented and ambitious writer, participating
in the annual Summer  Writing  Conference  at  Stony  Brook  Southampton
College several times; and

  WHEREAS,  Rare  indeed  is  the  impressive  dedication  shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Robert J. Long Jr.  displayed
throughout his life; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert  J. Long Jr. continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting  enthusiasm  for
the  quality  of  the  educational programs and opportunities offered at
East Quogue Schools for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well
as for the entire community; he truly left a legacy to the residents  of
East Quogue, New York, and to future generations of its students; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert J. Long Jr.'s infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and  hope  to
the countless lives he touched; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert J.  Long  Jr.,  and  to  express  its  sincere
condolences to his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert J. Long Jr.