Honor Peter Murray Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 85 BY: Senator BRESLIN CONGRATULATING Peter Murray upon the occasion of being named a 2016 honoree by KIDS COUNT! at its 17th Annual Testimonial Dinner on September 17, 2016 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community; and WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Peter Murray upon the occasion of being named a 2016 honoree by KIDS COUNT! at its 17th Annual Testimonial Dinner to be held at the Watervliet Elks Club on Saturday, September 17, 2016; and WHEREAS, Prior to the dinner, Coach Mike Deane will lead his annual Basketball Clinic at the Watervliet Dome, a free event open to both boys and girls of all skill levels; and WHEREAS, KIDS COUNT! is a nonprofit organization which raises funds to enhance the lives of children through recreational, cultural, and educational programs in Watervliet, New York and the Capital Region; and WHEREAS, The son of Peter and Mary Murray, Peter "Pete" Murray was born and raised in Watervliet; he attended St. Brigid's School and Sacred Heart of Mary followed by Watervliet High School; and WHEREAS, As a child, Pete Murray played on both the Watervliet Little League and the Babe Ruth League, as well as Watervliet Soccer and Watervliet Softball; in addition, he was a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 39 in Watervliet; and WHEREAS, As a student at Watervliet High School, Pete Murray excelled in soccer and track and was involved in the gym demonstration where he specialized in trampoline; and WHEREAS, Immediately following high school, Pete Murray began learning the trade of auto mechanics at Greg's Tire and then Square Deal Garage in Watervliet; and WHEREAS, In 1969, Pete Murray entered the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic at Fort Rucker, Alabama; the following year, he was reassigned to Aschaffenburg, Germany; in Germany, his pride and joy, his daughter, Suzanne was born; he was honorably discharged in March of 1971 and returned to Watervliet to raise his family; and WHEREAS, During the late 1970s, Pete Murray began working for the City of Watervliet Recreation Department; in the winter months he worked at the Dome, driving the Zamboni, working hard to ensure the ice rink was both safe and ready for families from all over the capital region to come and skate; during the summer, he oversaw maintenance at the Watervliet City Pool; working directly under his longtime friend, Recreation Director Charlie Diamond, he was instrumental in coordinating numerous successful recreation department events in the City such as the Arsenal City Run; and WHEREAS, For the past 30 years, Pete Murray has been employed at the Watervliet Civic Center; he helped supervise many events and tournaments for the boys and girls visiting the Civic Center; he was regularly seen in the pool room or at the ping pong tables teaching kids how to play the games; and WHEREAS, Whether it was in the weight room helping with lifting techniques or coordinating dodgeball or kickball games, Pete Murray was always there to ensure the children of Watervliet had a safe place to play, and while there, they had a good time and made many friends; and WHEREAS, Retired from the City of Watervliet, Pete Murray enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Roni LaCross, on their boat; they also like to travel and look forward to the special trips when Pete can see his two grandchildren, Lauren and Brandon, who live in California; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Peter Murray upon the occasion of being named a 2016 honoree by KIDS COUNT! at its 17th Annual Testimonial Dinner; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Peter Murray.