Senate Resolution No. 1988
BY: Senator AKSHAR
MOURNING the death of The Honorable Charles C.
Kark Sr., distinguished public servant, devoted
clergyman and dedicated member of his community
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Charles C. Kark Sr., who died on Monday, June 10,
2019, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Charles C. Kark Sr. was born to Raymond and Christine Kark
on February 6, 1938; an industrious young man, he raised his own
chickens and delivered their eggs to hundreds of customers throughout
Binghamton, New York; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Practical Bible School and Youth for
Christ Director Training School in 1958, Charles C. Kark Sr. held the
position of Area Youth for Christ Director for three years; he then took
over the helm of the family farm and drove a school bus for the Chenango
Valley School District for 42 years; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Charles C. Kark Sr. served as
the Town of Fenton Supervisor, a Broome County Legislator, and Broome
County Contracts Officer; in 1970, he co-founded the Path of Life Camp,
and was a member of several boards of directors including Gideons
International, Child Evangelism Fellowship and the New York State Fish
and Wildlife Service; and
WHEREAS, Charles C. Kark Sr. helped organize the annual Legislative
Day for the New York State Legislature and the National Day of Prayer in
Broome County, and supported the New Yorkers for Constitutional
Freedoms; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, Charles C. Kark Sr. became the Pastor of Park
Terrace Baptist Church; in this capacity, he brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, Charles C. Kark Sr. is
survived by two daughters, Christel and Debbie (Charlie); four sons,
Charles Jr. (Nancy), Jon (Pattie), Phillip (Flossie) and Joe (Jean); one
brother, David; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well
as several nieces, nephews and special friends; and
WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Charles C.
Kark Sr.'s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful
public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity,
unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself,
will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in
their community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of The Honorable Charles C. Kark Sr., distinguished
public servant, devoted clergyman and dedicated member of his community
recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of civic service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable Charles C. Kark Sr.
