Senate Resolution No. 740
BY: Senator TEDISCO
MOURNING the death of Robert Anthony D'Andrea,
former New York State Assemblyman and lifetime
resident of Saratoga Springs
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose life's work and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Robert Anthony D'Andrea of Saratoga Springs, New
York, who died on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea, known as "Bobby," to all, was born
on August 17, 1933, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the 11th of 13 children;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Peter's Academy in Saratoga Springs,
Robert Anthony D'Andrea was a three-sport athlete playing football,
basketball and baseball throughout all four years of his high school
career; and
WHEREAS, At 26 years old, Robert Anthony D'Andrea, together with his
future business partner, Walter Wrobel, invested in the Kaydeross
Amusement Park which they owned and operated for more than 30 years,
providing thousands of people with wonderful memories of swimming,
fireworks, arcade games, and amusement rides; and
WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was instrumental in the sale,
restoration and relocation of the Kaydeross Park's hand-carved carousel
that was moved to Congress Park in Saratoga Springs where it remains in
operation to this day; and
WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea's impact was furthered by his many
years in government, which began with his service as supervisor for the
City of Saratoga Springs, to the County Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, While in his role as supervisor, Robert Anthony D'Andrea
chaired both the Mental Health Committee and the Capital District
Regional Planning Committee; and
WHEREAS, A distinguished community leader, Robert Anthony D'Andrea
was the president of the Principessa Elena Society, director of the
Saratoga Lake Property Association, chair of the Fort Hudson Foundation,
president of the United Community Fund, and president of the Saratoga
County Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was elected to the New
York State Assembly; and
WHEREAS, Elected to the Assembly an incredible 14 times, a testament
to his constituents' trust in his dependable good work, Robert Anthony
D'Andrea became the third-highest ranking Republican in the Assembly as
the Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore; and
WHEREAS, While in the Assembly, Robert Anthony D'Andrea served as
Minority Whip, Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, and was
ranking member on the Racing and Wagering Committee, ranking member on
the Aging Committee, and served on the Environmental, Conservation,
Health, Labor, Corporations, Tourism, and Ways and Means Committees; and
WHEREAS, Introducing numerous bills and never missing a day of work,
Robert Anthony D'Andrea was an ardent supporter of the environment and
economy, helping to enact the NYS recycling and litter abatement program
and passing into law the Corinth Industrial Development bill (A517; CH
120), the Fort Edward Hudson River Land Transfer Bill (A7035; CH 443)
and the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Bridge Bill (A638; CH620) amongst many
others throughout the mid-seventies and eighties; and
WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea always kept his constituent
concerns in mind, especially regarding legislation that helped finance
the Saratoga Civic Center, the removal of ice-fishing structures from
lakes before their thaw, and the transportation of horses; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding member of the community, Robert Anthony
D'Andrea enjoyed membership at many associations and organizations,
including the Sons of Italy, the Knights of Columbus, The Elks Club, and
the Holy Name Society; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated high school alum, Robert Anthony D'Andrea
helped keep open the doors of St. Peter's Academy, which was renamed to
Saratoga Catholic Central; and
WHEREAS, Retiring from his tenure working in the government in 2001,
Robert Anthony D'Andrea began working as the director of business and
public relations for D.A. Collins; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Robert Anthony D'Andrea, met his
future wife, Theresa Jenny DelVecchio, in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Married for 65 years, Robert Anthony D'Andrea and Theresa
had five beloved children, eight cherished grandchildren and two adored
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A man of great optimism, compassion, and determination,
Robert Anthony D'Andrea's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments
as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for others, his
integrity, and selfless motivation to give of himself, will long stand
as a beacon for those who aspire to serve in their communities; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert Anthony D'Andrea, former New York State
Assemblyman, dedicated Saratoga Springs businessman, public servant
extraordinaire, and distinguished family and community member; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of the Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert Anthony D'Andrea.
