Bill Text: NY J02757 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Mark D. Croce, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-11 - ADOPTED [J02757 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-J02757-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2757 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Mark D. Croce, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce, a true pillar in his community of Buffalo and Western New York, passed away at the age of 58; and WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce started off his career in hospitality as a dishwasher, and at his family's restaurant Otto's; this incredible work ethic would lead him to become one of Buffalo's most loved and well-known entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, The ultimate entrepreneur, Mark D. Croce was the owner of such Buffalo staples as, Statler City, Buffalo Chophouse, Curtiss Hotel, The Franklin Room, D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub, SkyBar and the Buckin Buffalo Saloon, as well as Laughlin's, which he opened with his brother, Scott; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Mark D. Croce was a former Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Commissioner, a member of the Western New York Chapter of the New York Restaurant Association and former Vice President of the Buffalo Police Foundation; he also served on the Board of Directors for Buffalo Place, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce served as a valuable member of the Erie County Sheriff's Department with the office's reserve aviation unit; he also participated in the FBI's citizen academy; and WHEREAS, Through his Buffalo Development Corporation, Mark D. Croce invested substantial funds into the redevelopment of many of Buffalo's architectural treasures, including Statler City, Curtiss Hotel, Buffalo Chophouse, Emerson School of Hospitality, and buildings in Allentown and along Delaware Avenue; and WHEREAS, In his role as a civic leader, Mark D. Croce was a part of the effort to create a second Emerson School of Hospitality, where students will soon learn skills that will give them a chance to be a part of downtown's continuing resurgence; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he established partnerships with many of the region's largest development and architectural firms to ensure the success of these redevelopment projects; and WHEREAS, A true visionary with a larger than life personality, Mark D. Croce was committed to making things happen in Downtown Buffalo, and was an integral part of its resurgence, adding jobs and creating destinations which have brought many visitors to the area; and WHEREAS, Mark D. Croce always went above and beyond, from mentoring young entrepreneurs and restauranteurs, to reinvesting across Buffalo and New York State, he gave so much back to his community; and WHEREAS, In addition to his countless successful business endeavors, Mark D. Croce was a pilot, using this outlet to seek out new concepts and trends for his properties in Buffalo; and WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his greatest passion was being a father to his two boys, Dominic and Dante, and a husband to his loving wife, Jessica; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Mark D. Croce 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 Mark D. Croce, 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 Mark D. Croce.