Michael J. Bragman's Obituary
Michael J. Bragman, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. Along with his parents, Mike is predeceased by his brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Suzanne (Collier) Bragman; son, Michael Jr., twin daughters, Heather and Leslie, his pride and joy granddaughter, Kensington Grace, and devoted pup Poppy.
Together, he and Suzanne founded The Bragman Companies in 1986. His son Mike Jr. and daughter Heather were also a part of the family business. In the past 25 years, The Bragman Companies have become one of the largest developers of residential subdivisions in CNY.
A leading political figure, long-time Majority Leader of the NYS Assembly, community advocate, youth sports proponent, successful private developer – Michael J. Bragman excelled in many areas.
At the peak of his prominence, national and state political leaders, aspiring candidates of both major parties, sought him out for advice and guidance on how to appeal to the widest spectrum of voters. He played a key role in election campaigns for prominent figures including U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer.
Mike’s moderate, centrist approach and “strike a balance” political philosophy – he always stressed getting results over partisanship – became the model for successful statewide candidates from the 1980s through the early 2000s in New York. His approach also helped create the largest Democratic Majority in the State Assembly in history.
“Mike Bragman was a key figure in New York State politics and government. No Upstate politician in modern times was more influential,” said Bruce Gyory, political commentator, and adjunct professor of government at SUNY Albany.
The New York Times called him “shrewd and independent minded” and said he was a figure who “inspired awe” among colleagues.
The Syracuse Post-Standard called him “Central New York’s greatest champion … a political powerhouse who never forgot where he came from.”
Mike was born in Syracuse in 1940 to the late Mannie Bragman, and Helen Richardson Bragman, a community leader and local Democratic Party activist. Mike credits his mother with sparking his interest in public service.
While at North Syracuse High School, Mike was a two-year All County baseball player. He also played for the Canastota Genesees, in the “Old State Baseball League.”
After graduating from North Syracuse High School in 1958, he went on to study at Syracuse University, from which he graduated in 1963.
He started his career in public service in 1965, when he served on the town council in his native Cicero, New York. He was elected to the Onondaga County Legislature in 1969 and became the first and only Democrat to chair that body in 1978.
Mike was elected to the NYS Assembly in 1980 and quickly established himself as an authority on issues such as education, economic development, veterans’ affairs, emergency services, fish and wildlife management and transportation. Widely respected for his leadership skills and work ethic, he served as Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly from 1993 to 2000.
During his 21 years in the NYS Assembly, no member compiled a more extensive legislative sponsorship record, with the passage of 305 state laws. He obtained more than $208 million in state funding directly benefiting Central New York.
His lifetime interest in athletics has brought about significant contributions, which resulted in the creation and improvement of sports facilities and programs, from Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football and youth soccer clubs to high school and professional stadiums/facilities.
One of the major highlights of his career was the vision and leadership Bragman provided for the development of the C-NS Athletic Complex, (dedicated in his name) and the Liverpool High School Stadium and other complexes across the nation.
He authored the Sports Facility Assistance Program (NYS Stadium Bond Act) in 1993/94. This program provided major funding for the creation and improvement of sports facilities across the state including NBT Bank Stadium, Rochester Silver Stadium, Buffalo Sabres Arena, Oneonta Soccer Hall of Fame, and various others.
In addition to his involvement in major statewide issues, Mike developed one of the most successful regional economic development models in state history. Using public resources as a catalyst for private investment, the CNY Economic Growth Agenda transformed the region into a tourism and transportation hub for the Northeast. Key elements of the program included a new MacArthur Stadium, the renovations of the historic Regional Farmers Market, the construction of the Regional Transportation Center, critical funding for the Museum of Science and Technology/Bristol Omni-Theater and the SUNY Institute for Human Performance.
Partnering with SUNY Upstate officials, he passed legislation and secured funding for a special research, teaching, and patient care facility in CNY. The Institute for Human Performance includes clinical space, classrooms, an 11-lap per mile track, a 25-meter pool with a moveable bottom and a hydrotherapy program. This world-class facility also houses a concussion center.
Through these and other projects Mike made a lasting mark on Central New York and the entire state.
Mike was the first honorary member of the Cicero Volunteer Fire Department and cared deeply about his community. His family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at SUNY Upstate.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. Funeral services and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cicero Volunteer Fire Department, by addressing checks to 8377 Brewerton Road, Cicero, NY 13039, and the C-NS Athletic Department, by addressing checks to NSCSD Athletics, 6002 Route 31, Cicero, NY 13039.
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