Senate Resolution No. 2565 BY: Senator MAY MOURNING the death of Charles Nojaim, 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, Charles Nojaim of Syracuse, New York, died on May 19, 2024, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, Born in Syracuse on May 31, 1932, Charles Nojaim was raised by Lebanese immigrant parents who instilled the values of hard work, integrity, and family into his character; he started working at his parent's grocery store on West Street in the community when he was 10 years old; and WHEREAS, Furthering his education, Charles Nojaim graduated from Le Moyne College, before enlisting in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict; and WHEREAS, In the 1950s, Charles Nojaim took over the family business, Nojaim Brothers Supermarket, and worked to transform the business into a cornerstone of the community; and WHEREAS, Facing demolition due to construction in 1993, Charles Nojaim built a new store on Gifford Street at the corner of the new West Street with the support of his father on January 26, 1961; and WHEREAS, Expanding the business, Charles Nojaim also owned groceries stores at Marcellus and Lakeland; Nojaim Brothers Supermarket served as a gathering place that brought people together, supported local initiatives, and provided a sense of belonging; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Charles Nojaim served as a Board Member of Sugar Mill Country Club, President of Bellevue Country Club, Chairman of the Draft Board, Co-Chairman of Rebuild Syracuse, Board Member NYS Food Merchants Association, and was a driving force in starting an independent grocery movement in the Syracuse area, leading to the creation of the Hometown Group and The Neighborhood Markets; and WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim enjoyed golf in his free time and would spend hours at the courses at Bellevue, Sugar Mill, and Tuscarora; and WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Charles Nojaim is survived by his five children, Kathleen (Jim), Nancy, Richard (Lori), Paul (Daisy) and Daniel, his grandchildren, Christina, Chad (Alexis), Paul (Rachel), Jimmie (Heather), Kyle, Trisha (Chris), Anna, Jack, Adrianna, Carlos, Natalie, and great grandchildren, Laila, Anthony, RJ, and Amari; he was predeceased by his wife, Patricia McSweeney, who he married in 1955; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Charles Nojaim 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 Charles Nojaim, 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 Charles Nojaim.