K 59: Honoring the life of Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

 Assembly Resolution No. 59 BY: M. of A. Santabarbara HONORING the life of Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola, distinguished citizen 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 this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Guido Alfonso Loyola died on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the age of 74; and WHEREAS, On December 20, 1949, Guido Alfonso Loyola was born to the late Earl and Beryl (Brothers) Loyola in New York City; after graduating from high school, he attained his Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York at New Paltz; later, he earned his Master of Political Science degree from Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University; and WHEREAS, Guido Alfonso Loyola attended Albany Law School; he obtained his legal license while fulfilling his duties as a clerk with a licensed attorney in Schenectady, New York, and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1980; and WHEREAS, For many years, Guido Alfonso Loyola operated his private legal practice; in 1983, he served briefly on the Schenectady City Council; from 1984-1989, he served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Schenectady; in 1989, he worked part-time as City Court Judge and was elected to serve a full term in 1993; and WHEREAS, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola was re-elected in 2003 and 2013, ultimately serving Schenectady for 30 years until his mandatory retirement in 2019 at the age of 70; during his tenure, he also served as Judge in the Family and County Courts and Supervising Judge for City Courts for the entire Fourth Judicial District; he played an active role in the Legal Aid Society and the Carver Community Center; and WHEREAS, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola was greatly admired by all who knew him, including his peers, described as respected, competent, and hard-working; he served the City of Schenectady with distinction, remembered as generous with his time and fair to attorneys' clients; though he regarded his position as serious, he brought a sense of humor to it, always quick with a joke for his colleagues and loved ones; he was also an avid fan of Union College hockey; and WHEREAS, Most important to Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola was performing weddings; on December 6, 2019, he was honored with a Ceremonial Resolution by the City Council in recognition of his retirement; this document noted that, as City Judge, he would even halt court proceedings to perform weddings; and WHEREAS, During his 36 years of service to his community, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola dedicated his life to the City of Schenectady; fulfilling his duties as a member of the City Council, a part of the City Administration, and City Court Judge distinguished him as the first individual to serve in all three branches of Schenectady's Government; and WHEREAS, On June 28, 2024, the courtroom in City Hall, in which Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola presided over weddings and proceedings, was named "The Honorable Guido A. Loyola Courtroom" in his honor; a plaque and his photo are displayed outside the courtroom; and WHEREAS, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola is survived by his loving husband, Leonard Herman; brother, Lorenso Loyola; godsister, Linda Chase; nieces and nephews, Larry, Kriza, Terry, and Philipe; cousins, Craig Green, Joann Green, Loreto, and Letty; and second cousins, Margaret and Ray; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola 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 honor the life of Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Judge Guido Alfonso Loyola.