Assembly Resolution No. 119
BY: M. of A. Levenberg
MOURNING the death of The Honorable Northern
Wilcher, Jr., renowned public servant, devoted
husband, father and grandfather, and distinguished
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; Northern Wilcher, Jr. was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Northern Wilcher, Jr. on
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, noting the significance of his purposeful
life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, The oldest of four children, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was born
on December 20, 1935, in Wadley, Georgia to parents Northern Wilcher,
Sr. and Pecola Grissom Wilcher; he attended the public school system
and graduated from Carver High School; and
WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. moved to the State of New York in the
early 1950s, during which time he worked at Grasslands Hospital, now
known as Westchester County Medical Center, where he met Jessie
Robinson; the couple were united in marriage in 1957 and settled in
Ossining, New York, where they raised their four children: Carlton,
Tony, Michael and Lisa; and
WHEREAS, Being of many talents, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was happily
self-employed doing plumbing and carpentry work for more than 50 years;
and
WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Northern
Wilcher, Jr. was a member of Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church for more
than 35 years; he served on the Senior Usher Ministry and was elected
Trustee Emeritus; and
WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. joined Corinthian Lodge No.44, Prince
Hall Masons for the State of New York in 1978 and served as Worshipful
Master in 1988; he joined Ruth Chapter No. 8, Prince Hall Order Eastern
Star in 1990 and was elected to the office of Worthy Patron in 1992; he
served that station for 24 years and was an honorary member of numerous
other Order Eastern Star Chapters; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he held several appointed positions in Eureka
Grand Chapter and was elected Honorary Past Grand Worthy Patron; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was sworn in to fill a
vacant seat on the Ossining Town Board; he then ran for the seat and won
and kept winning for four terms; he retired from the Board in 2021; and
WHEREAS, A true staple in the community of Ossining, Town Councilman
Wilcher enjoyed being a part of the Board and helping the growth and
progression of the Town of Ossining; and
WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. enjoyed fishing and gardening; he
took great pride in working in his yard and feeding the birds who
greeted him each morning; for many years he kept a vegetable garden and
would share the fresh vegetables with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was his family, especially his beloved wife, Jessie M.
Wilcher, who passed away in November 2024; and
WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. is survived by his two sons, Tony
(Tracy) and Michael; a daughter, Lisa Horton; brother, George Wilcher;
sister, Doris Wilmore; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, as
well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins
and relatives; preceding him in death are his parents, Northern Wilcher,
Sr. and Pecola Grissom Wilcher; his son, Carlton Ray Wilcher; and his
brother, Willie Lee Wilcher; and
WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher 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; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Northern Wilcher, Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of The Honorable Northern Wilcher, Jr., and to express
its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable Northern Wilcher, Jr.
