Honor Fallen Veteran O'Brien

Senate Resolution No. 79 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Gerald J. O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on January 9, 2017 WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-time, deserve a special salute; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gerald J. O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Rensselaer County Office Building's Hall of Heroes, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, Born May 24, 1934, in Troy, New York, Gerald J. O'Brien was born to Joseph and Margaret (Hickey) O'Brien; he attended Saint Augustine's School, Catholic Central High School, and Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien served his country as a member of the United States Navy as a Seabee during the Korean War from 1953 through

1955; his exceptional service earned him the National Defense Service Medal; and WHEREAS, After returning home from his assignment, Gerald J. O'Brien started working full-time with Niagara Mohawk as a meter reader, and retired after 42 years as a Supervisor in the Gas Department; and WHEREAS, A faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, New York, Gerald J. O'Brien served in many ministries; he also volunteered with Community Hospice for more than 20 years, and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary's Hospital in Troy; and WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien's favorite pastimes were reading, kayaking, and golfing; he enjoyed winters in Florida with his wife of 58 years, Barbara, and loved traveling with his family, especially to the sea and Gloucester, his special place; and WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien died on Monday, May 9, 2016, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his son, Troy Police Sergeant James O'Brien, Gerald J. O'Brien was a loving and caring husband to his wife, Barbara (Kelly) O'Brien, and a caring father to Susan Wyld, Kathleen, Sharon Vest, Maureen Pace and Sally, and his four grandchildren, Casey, Aileen, Kelly and Michael; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Gerald J. O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on January 9, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Gerald J. O'Brien.