LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to life and accomplishments of John F. Wade, 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 the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, John F. Wade of Biddeford, Maine, died on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at the age of 56; and WHEREAS, Son of Sean and Rosaleen O'Shea Wade, John F. Wade was born in Dublin, Ireland, on April 12, 1954, and arrived in America with his family in October of 1958; and WHEREAS, After growing up in Manhattan and Northern New Jersey, John F. Wade graduated from Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee in 1976, and two years later undertook graduate studies at Southern Illi- nois University in Carbondale, Illinois; and WHEREAS, Shortly after graduation, John F. Wade went on to serve the government in positions ranging from Director of Education to Chief of Staff; he also worked on numerous political campaigns in Washington D.C., New York and Maine; and WHEREAS, This eminent man distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, John F. Wade's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita- ble and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, After leaving government service, John F. Wade remained a political activist dedicated to progressive and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender causes and campaigns; and WHEREAS, Moreover, a strong activist for social justice and education, particularly for women and minorities, John F. Wade acted as a dedicated consultant and fiery volunteer until the Fall of 2010; and WHEREAS, John F. Wade is survived by his loving mother, Rosaleen Wade; one sister, Ann Marie, and one brother, Richard Wade; as well as four nieces, Rosaleen, Christina, Lindsey and Diana, and one nephew, Ryan Wade; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, John F. Wade 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 pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of John F. Wade, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran- smitted to the family of John F. Wade.