K 119: Mourning the death of The Honorable Northern Wilcher, Jr., renowned public servant, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and distinguished member of his community

 Assembly Resolution No. 119 BY: M. of A. Levenberg MOURNING the death of The Honorable Northern Wilcher, Jr., renowned public servant, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and distinguished member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Northern Wilcher, Jr. was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Northern Wilcher, Jr. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, The oldest of four children, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was born on December 20, 1935, in Wadley, Georgia to parents Northern Wilcher, Sr. and Pecola Grissom Wilcher; he attended the public school system and graduated from Carver High School; and WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. moved to the State of New York in the early 1950s, during which time he worked at Grasslands Hospital, now known as Westchester County Medical Center, where he met Jessie Robinson; the couple were united in marriage in 1957 and settled in Ossining, New York, where they raised their four children: Carlton, Tony, Michael and Lisa; and WHEREAS, Being of many talents, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was happily self-employed doing plumbing and carpentry work for more than 50 years; and WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was a member of Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church for more than 35 years; he served on the Senior Usher Ministry and was elected Trustee Emeritus; and WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. joined Corinthian Lodge No.44, Prince Hall Masons for the State of New York in 1978 and served as Worshipful Master in 1988; he joined Ruth Chapter No. 8, Prince Hall Order Eastern Star in 1990 and was elected to the office of Worthy Patron in 1992; he served that station for 24 years and was an honorary member of numerous other Order Eastern Star Chapters; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he held several appointed positions in Eureka Grand Chapter and was elected Honorary Past Grand Worthy Patron; and WHEREAS, In 2004, Northern Wilcher, Jr. was sworn in to fill a vacant seat on the Ossining Town Board; he then ran for the seat and won and kept winning for four terms; he retired from the Board in 2021; and WHEREAS, A true staple in the community of Ossining, Town Councilman Wilcher enjoyed being a part of the Board and helping the growth and progression of the Town of Ossining; and WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. enjoyed fishing and gardening; he took great pride in working in his yard and feeding the birds who greeted him each morning; for many years he kept a vegetable garden and would share the fresh vegetables with family and friends; and WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his greatest passion was his family, especially his beloved wife, Jessie M. Wilcher, who passed away in November 2024; and WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher, Jr. is survived by his two sons, Tony (Tracy) and Michael; a daughter, Lisa Horton; brother, George Wilcher; sister, Doris Wilmore; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and relatives; preceding him in death are his parents, Northern Wilcher, Sr. and Pecola Grissom Wilcher; his son, Carlton Ray Wilcher; and his brother, Willie Lee Wilcher; and WHEREAS, Northern Wilcher Jr.'s infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Northern Wilcher, Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of The Honorable Northern Wilcher, 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 The Honorable Northern Wilcher, Jr.