J 740: Mourning the death of Robert Anthony D'Andrea, former New York State Assemblyman and lifetime resident of Saratoga Springs

 Senate Resolution No. 740 BY: Senator TEDISCO MOURNING the death of Robert Anthony D'Andrea, former New York State Assemblyman and lifetime resident of Saratoga Springs WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose life's work and civic endeavors served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of Robert Anthony D'Andrea of Saratoga Springs, New York, who died on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea, known as "Bobby," to all, was born on August 17, 1933, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the 11th of 13 children; and WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Peter's Academy in Saratoga Springs, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball throughout all four years of his high school career; and WHEREAS, At 26 years old, Robert Anthony D'Andrea, together with his future business partner, Walter Wrobel, invested in the Kaydeross Amusement Park which they owned and operated for more than 30 years, providing thousands of people with wonderful memories of swimming, fireworks, arcade games, and amusement rides; and WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was instrumental in the sale, restoration and relocation of the Kaydeross Park's hand-carved carousel that was moved to Congress Park in Saratoga Springs where it remains in operation to this day; and WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea's impact was furthered by his many years in government, which began with his service as supervisor for the City of Saratoga Springs, to the County Board of Supervisors; and WHEREAS, While in his role as supervisor, Robert Anthony D'Andrea chaired both the Mental Health Committee and the Capital District Regional Planning Committee; and WHEREAS, A distinguished community leader, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was the president of the Principessa Elena Society, director of the Saratoga Lake Property Association, chair of the Fort Hudson Foundation, president of the United Community Fund, and president of the Saratoga County Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease; and WHEREAS, In 1974, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was elected to the New York State Assembly; and WHEREAS, Elected to the Assembly an incredible 14 times, a testament to his constituents' trust in his dependable good work, Robert Anthony D'Andrea became the third-highest ranking Republican in the Assembly as the Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore; and WHEREAS, While in the Assembly, Robert Anthony D'Andrea served as Minority Whip, Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, and was ranking member on the Racing and Wagering Committee, ranking member on the Aging Committee, and served on the Environmental, Conservation, Health, Labor, Corporations, Tourism, and Ways and Means Committees; and WHEREAS, Introducing numerous bills and never missing a day of work, Robert Anthony D'Andrea was an ardent supporter of the environment and economy, helping to enact the NYS recycling and litter abatement program and passing into law the Corinth Industrial Development bill (A517; CH 120), the Fort Edward Hudson River Land Transfer Bill (A7035; CH 443) and the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Bridge Bill (A638; CH620) amongst many others throughout the mid-seventies and eighties; and WHEREAS, Robert Anthony D'Andrea always kept his constituent concerns in mind, especially regarding legislation that helped finance the Saratoga Civic Center, the removal of ice-fishing structures from lakes before their thaw, and the transportation of horses; and WHEREAS, An outstanding member of the community, Robert Anthony D'Andrea enjoyed membership at many associations and organizations, including the Sons of Italy, the Knights of Columbus, The Elks Club, and the Holy Name Society; and WHEREAS, A dedicated high school alum, Robert Anthony D'Andrea helped keep open the doors of St. Peter's Academy, which was renamed to Saratoga Catholic Central; and WHEREAS, Retiring from his tenure working in the government in 2001, Robert Anthony D'Andrea began working as the director of business and public relations for D.A. Collins; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Robert Anthony D'Andrea, met his future wife, Theresa Jenny DelVecchio, in 1959; and WHEREAS, Married for 65 years, Robert Anthony D'Andrea and Theresa had five beloved children, eight cherished grandchildren and two adored great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A man of great optimism, compassion, and determination, Robert Anthony D'Andrea's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for others, his integrity, and selfless motivation to give of himself, will long stand as a beacon for those who aspire to serve in their communities; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Robert Anthony D'Andrea, former New York State Assemblyman, dedicated Saratoga Springs businessman, public servant extraordinaire, and distinguished family and community member; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of the Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Robert Anthony D'Andrea.