Senate Resolution No. 1764
BY: Senator AKSHAR
MOURNING the death of George F. Akel, Jr.,
committed businessman, dedicated family man 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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the passing of George F. Akel, Jr. of Binghamton, New York,
who died on May 22, 2019, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 29, 1935, in Binghamton, George F. Akel,
Jr. was the son of George and Georgette Akel; and
WHEREAS, From a very young age, George F. Akel, Jr. was devoted to
his family business, Binghamton Giant Markets, which was established in
1933 by his father George and Uncle Metrie; and
WHEREAS, George F. Akel, Jr. graduated salutatorian from both
Binghamton Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania's
Wharton School of Business; after completing his studies, he returned
home to work with his brothers, Ferris and Ronnie, to grow their
family's grocery business and diversify into real estate; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, George F. Akel, Jr. had been an
active member of many organizations throughout his adult life, always
striving to improve the well-being of his beloved hometown; he served on
the boards of many outstanding associations, including: SUNY-Broome
Community College, McFarland Johnson, NYSERDA, Regional Advisory Board
of Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Regional Advisory Board of M&T Bank,
Willow Run Foods, Tri-Cities Opera, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Foundation, ACHIEVE Foundation and the Broome County IDA; he also
wholeheartedly supported many local charities such as CHOW (BCCC) and
the Broome County Humane Society; and
WHEREAS, Outside of work, George F. Akel, Jr. made the most of his
life; he skied in Lech with friends and traveled to France and Beirut to
see family; he loved opera and was fortunate to have seen his favorite
masterpieces in different venues; despite his adventures "abroad," his
heart was always in his beloved Binghamton, whether enjoying the company
of his many friends, golfing, playing bridge, or tending to his cat,
Bissey; and
WHEREAS, A congregant of Trinity Church, George F. Akel, Jr. was
predeceased by his grandmother, Delia; his parents, George and
Georgette; brother, Ferris; Uncle Metrie; Aunt Renee; Aunt Yvette; and
cousin Lillian; he is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 52
years, Sara "Sally"; his three children, Andrea (Ib), George (Laura),
and Jeffrey (Erin); six grandchildren, Sadie, Owen, Callie, Zane, Zach,
and Alexander; one brother, Ronald (Beth); a sister-in-law, Louise; his
Uncle Antoine (Janine); first cousins, Yvette, Madeline, and Renee; and
his nieces and nephews, Stephanie (Jeff), Nicole (Paul), Ferris, Martine
(John), Philip (Bridget), Donald and Kara (John); as well as many other
cousins and friends; and
WHEREAS, While his strong work ethic and diplomatic style will be
remembered by the business community, George F. Akel, Jr.'s family and
friends will remember him as a kind, modest and principled man; a
consummate gentleman, a loyal friend and husband, and a loving father
and grandfather, he reveled in the joy of both his children and his
grandchildren's lives and his legacy will live on through them; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, George F. Akel, Jr. 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 George F. Akel, 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 George F. Akel, Jr.
