Senate Resolution No. 1505
BY: Senator GALLIVAN
HONORING Denis Kitchen upon the occasion of his
designation as Lifetime Achiever of the Year by the
Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated on
March 19, 2026
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals whose lifetime of service, leadership, and professional
achievement has left a lasting and meaningful impact upon their
community, state, and nation; and
WHEREAS, Denis Kitchen has been selected as the Lifetime Achiever of
the Year by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, an honor to be bestowed at
the Chamber's 53rd Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at
Samuel's Grande Manor in Williamsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, New York in 1943, Denis Kitchen has spent
nearly his entire life in Western New York, with the exception of five
years of active-duty service in the United States Navy, exemplifying a
lifelong commitment to both his community and his country; and
WHEREAS, Denis Kitchen is a graduate of Kenmore West High School,
Class of 1961, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the
Rochester Institute of Technology in 1965, where he was elected Vice
President of the Student Body, demonstrating early leadership and
dedication to service; and
WHEREAS, He furthered his education by earning a Master of Science
in Education from Indiana University in 1966, and later a Juris Doctor
degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School in
1976, where he was appointed to Moot Court, reflecting academic
excellence and professional promise; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Denis Kitchen joined the United States Navy,
serving as a Naval Aviator and flight instructor, and later continued
his service in the Naval Reserve, from which he retired after 21 years
with the rank of Commander, a testament to his dedication, leadership,
and patriotism; and
WHEREAS, Since 1976, Denis Kitchen has practiced law in local,
state, and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals,
and has further contributed to the legal profession by teaching
continuing legal education courses through the National Business
Institute and serving as an adjunct faculty member at Canisius College;
and
WHEREAS, Denis Kitchen's professional and civic involvement includes
membership in the Erie County Bar Association, the Christian Legal
Society, and the American Center for Law and Justice, as well as
affiliation with Alliance Defending Freedom, reflecting his deep
commitment to ethical leadership and service; and
WHEREAS, His dedication to community life is further demonstrated
through his service as President of the Board of Christian Counseling
Ministries of Western New York, President of the Clarence Toastmasters
Club, and as an Elder at Love Joy Gospel Church, where he has provided
guidance, mentorship, and steadfast leadership; and
WHEREAS, Denis Kitchen has shared a life of partnership and devotion
with his wife, Nancy Kitchen, whom he met while attending Rochester
Institute of Technology; married in 1967, they will celebrate their 59th
wedding anniversary in June, and are the proud parents of Denis M.
Kitchen, Jennifer Kitchen McGann, and Elisabeth Kitchen; and
WHEREAS, The Clarence Chamber of Commerce's designation of Denis
Kitchen as Lifetime Achiever of the Year is a fitting recognition of a
life defined by service, integrity, leadership, and unwavering
commitment to family, profession, and community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Denis Kitchen upon the occasion of his designation as Lifetime
Achiever of the Year by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March 19,
2026; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Denis Kitchen.
