Assembly Resolution No. 1010
BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes
MOURNING the death of Jonathan A. Dandes,
president of Rich Baseball Operations, inductee of
the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame, 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 this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan A. Dandes of Amherst, New York, died on Sunday,
February 22, 2026, at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan A. Dandes distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Buffalo Bisons baseball family for more
than four decades, Jonathan A. Dandes was dedicated to the growth and
success of the beloved team and its home at Sahlen Field; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan A. Dandes proudly served as vice president and
general manager of Stadium Services, Inc. from 1988-1995, and was
instrumental in the design, construction, and continued success of the
downtown ballpark; he was appointed executive vice president of the Rich
Entertainment Group in 1996, and served as president of Rich Baseball
Operations from 2001-2018, overseeing the Bisons as well as Double-A and
Single-A baseball franchises; and
WHEREAS, In 2023, Jonathan A. Dandes was inducted into the Buffalo
Baseball Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor representing his significant
contributions to Buffalo professional baseball; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his myriad contributions to the sport of baseball,
Jonathan A. Dandes served of many organizations, such the Ralph C.
Wilson Explore & More Children's Museum, Shea's Performing Arts Center,
the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the Buffalo Zoological Society, the
Erie County Medical Center, Visit Buffalo Niagara, Upstate New York
Transplant Services Foundation, The Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, Erie
County Jewish Family Services, and held the esteemed role of director of
the National Kidney Foundation; and
WHEREAS, A 1974 University at Buffalo graduate, Jonathan A. Dandes
was the longest-serving member of the University of Buffalo's UB Council
and was the past president of the New York State Restaurant Association;
and
WHEREAS, Jonathan A. Dandes' commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; in 2017, he was named an
"Outstanding Citizen" of Western New York by the Buffalo News; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan A. Dandes is survived by his cherished children,
Leo and Arin; daughter-in-law, Lisette; son-in-law, Adam; treasured
grandchildren, Luca and Leib; as well as countless friends, community
members, and colleagues; he is predeceased by his beloved wife, Marcy;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, dedicated to his community,
and imbued with a sense of compassion for others, Jonathan A. Dandes
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 Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball
Operations, inductee of the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame, 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 Jonathan A. Dandes.
