Senate Resolution No. 1628
BY: Senator RANZENHOFER
HONORING Stephan H. Lewy upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the New York
State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Stephan H.
Lewy upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers' Day
Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in The
Egg, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and
WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1925, Stephan H. Lewy grew up in war-torn Berlin,
Germany; after surviving Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, at
his orphanage's synagogue, he secured refuge in France, and then came to
the United States, where he was drafted into the Army; and
WHEREAS, As a soldier, Stephan H. Lewy returned to his home country
where he interrogated Nazis and mapped out enemy positions; he also
fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate the concentration
camp in Buchenwald; for his meritorious service, he was awarded the
Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military duties, Stephan H. Lewy
returned to his job as an office boy at a mining company in Boston,
Massachusetts; using the GI Bill, he attended night school and finished
three years of high school in 17 months; he then took night classes for
six years and earned his college degree from Northwestern University;
and
WHEREAS, After he passed the CPA exam, Stephan H. Lewy served as a
public accountant for six years; he then began his career in the hotel
industry, working for Sheraton Hotels for 11 years, and then Dunfey
Hotels (now Omni) in New Hampshire; after more than two decades of
service, he retired in 1991, at the age of 66; and
WHEREAS, As a Holocaust survivor, Stephan H. Lewy has witnessed
numerous atrocities, yet he still lives by his mantra "It's important to
make a difference and change the world"; after retiring, he decided to
share his story with school children and college students, and various
groups throughout Erie County including the Senior Services University
Express Program; and
WHEREAS, Through his words, Stephan H. Lewy has taught numerous
people, both young and old the dangers of discrimination, and to
celebrate, not ridicule, everyone's differences; and
WHEREAS, Stephan H. Lewy's story has also been told through Lillian
Herzberg's book, A Sojourn into Freedom, and an exhibit at the Holocaust
Resource Center of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, the former Frances
Silver, and their two children, Arthur and Ellen, all of whom have shown
him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Stephan H. Lewy has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Stephan H. Lewy, a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his
volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of
experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Stephan H. Lewy upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Stephan H. Lewy.