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File #: RES.17-2026    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 1/2/2026 In control: City Council of Yonkers Stated Meeting
On agenda: 1/27/2026 Final action: 1/27/2026
Title: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO HONOR THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY'S REQUEST TO HONORARILY RENAME PROSPECT STREET AS JAMES EDWARD DEGREE WAY
Attachments: 1. Jame Degree petition.pdf, 2. James Degree.pdf
RESOLUTION

BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:

A RESOLUTION OF THE YONKERS CITY COUNCIL TO HONOR THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY'S REQUEST TO HONORARILY RENAME PROSPECT STREET AS JAMES EDWARD DEGREE WAY


WHEREAS, James Edward Degree, born on March 9, 1935, in Shelby, North Carolina, was for many decades a proud and dedicated resident of the City of Yonkers; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Degree was employed as a diligent and meticulous professional mover for Alto Brothers, Inc., earning, before his retirement after forty-one years, a reputation for hard work, reliability and generosity; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Degree was fondly known in the community as the "Mayor of Yonkers," and for being instrumental in the running of Yonkers' own Pelton Baseball League and for generously donating to various organizations dedicated to children; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Degree was admired for his humility, wisdom, honesty, and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, and for enriching the lives of everyone who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Degree was deeply devoted to his loving family: his late wife Diana; his daughter Pamela; his son James and his wife Sharon; his daughter Michelle; his daughter Penni; his son Douglas and his wife Patricia; his daughter Valerie; and his son Leroy and his wife Hazel; twenty grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren, and the many extended family members; and

WHEREAS , Mr. Degree's passing has left a giant void in the hearts of all those who knew him, but his legacy of love, mentorship and community spirit will continue to inspire the people of Yonkers;

WHEREAS, in recognition of his extraordinary life and contributions to the City of Yonkers, a petition has been prepared by the family of Mr. Degree requesting that Prospect Street be honorarily renamed "James ...

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