LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION Mourning the Death of Julian Wager, Distinguished Citizen and Devoted Member of His Community

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Julian Wager, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplified the highest ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Astoria community activist and business leader, Julian (Julie) Wager, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Astoria, New York, Julian Wager was a man of great integrity who throughout his lifetime continually demonstrated an unwavering enthusiasm and love for his community, city, state and country; and WHEREAS, Julian Wager attended P.S. 6 on Steinway Street, and gradu- ated from W.C. Bryant High School in 1946; he then attended and gradu- ated from The City College of New York (CCNY); and WHEREAS, After graduating, Julian Wager entered the family business, a lingerie company, Genius and Chic Corsets, located at 31-19 Steinway Street and 30-79 Steinway Street; and WHEREAS, Julian Wager successfully managed Genius and Chic Corsets for 40 years; upon his retirement in 1991, he embarked on a new career as the advertising director for the WESTERN QUEENS GAZETTE; and WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Julian Wager was called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless endeavors and always gave of himself unstintingly to any issue affecting his community, his borough or the economic health and future of any business; and WHEREAS, Julian Wager was the president of the Steinway Street Merchants Association, which included business owners in one of the largest local shopping areas in Queens and New York City; he led this influential group and its successor organization, the Steinway Business Improvement District, for close to half a century; and WHEREAS, In addition, Julian Wager founded and served as president of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC); this illustri- ous organization sponsored the local area Independence Day celebration and the popular summer Waterfront Concert Series; and WHEREAS, Another of the seemingly indefatigable activist's involve- ments was as a member of Community Board 1, which covers Astoria; over a 30-year period, Julian Wager was chairman of the Board 1 Industrial, Commercial, Cable Television, Communications and Economic Development Committee; and WHEREAS, Julian Wager also served on the board of directors of the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens; was a board member of A Way Out, an addiction treatment organization; treasurer of the Walter Kaner Children's Foundation, founded by the late LONG ISLAND PRESS columnist, and a member of the Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis; and WHEREAS, Julian Wager was a man of determination and perseverance, and this was never more evident than when he suffered a spinal cord injury about 10 years ago that left him a paraplegic and subject to sometimes excruciating pain; and WHEREAS, However, despite his inability to move about freely, he never lost his love for life nor his interest in what was going on around him; he never complained about his ailments and they never took away his sense of humor; and WHEREAS, In his later years, Julian Wager worked tirelessly as an advocate for those with disabilities, making the public aware of the fact that individuals with disabilities are no different than anyone else and deserve equal treatment; and WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Julian Wager was a devoted member of the Astoria Center of Israel synagogue, where he had worshipped all of his life and at one time served as its president; and WHEREAS, Known by many as Mr. Steinway Street, Julian Wager was the spirit and drive of Central Astoria; determined, innovative, and passionate, he was a mentor to many, sometimes with wit, sometimes with sarcasm, but always with love, he motivated people for the good of the community; Astoria is a better place for having had him in its midst and its residents will forever endeavor to follow in his footsteps; and WHEREAS, Julian Wager is survived by his six daughters, Lisa A. Bian- chi, Christine Kwarren, Laurie Wager, Stacey Wager-Pacuk, Adrian Wager- Zito and Jody Wager, as well as his nine grandchildren, his brother, Stanley, and several nieces and nephews; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Julian Wager 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 mourn the death of Julian Wager, 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 Julian Wager.