Honor Joseph G. Rhatigan

Senate Resolution No. 2230 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Joseph G. Rhatigan posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on October 7, 2019 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Joseph G. Rhatigan posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on Monday,

October 7, 2019, at the North Albany Post No. 1610, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County Veterans Bureau, known as the Albany County Honor a Veteran Committee, created to honor a deceased Albany County veteran who served his country in time of conflict; the Honor a Veteran Ceremony takes place on the first Monday of each month; and WHEREAS, Joseph G. Rhatigan was born on September 26, 1949, in Albany, the youngest child of Gerard and Helen (Ryan) Rhatigan; he attended St. Joseph's Academy, graduating in 1967; and WHEREAS, Four months later, following his high school graduation, Joseph G. Rhatigan enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam with his unit Company D 24th Engineer Battalion; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Joseph G. Rhatigan was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Joseph G. Rhatigan was employed with the Albany Fire Department; he joined in

1972, and served the residents of the City of Albany with valor and integrity for 32 years before retiring with the esteemed position of lieutenant in 2004; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Joseph G. Rhatigan had a magnetic personality and was an amazing storyteller; he loved playing golf and fishing with his brothers, nephews and his friends; and WHEREAS, Joseph G. Rhatigan died on March 7, 2015, at the age of 65; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by two sisters, Mary Jo and Elizabeth "Betty", and one brother-in-law, Robert, Joseph G. Rhatigan is survived by his wife, the former Lynn Cain; three children, Daniel (Jessica); Kateri (George); and Colleen; 10 siblings, Elaine (John); Katherine; Edward (Maureen); George (Susan); Laetitia; Melanie; Geraldine; Michael (Joyce); Dolores (James); Mary; and five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad, Joseph G. Rhatigan demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his 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 commend Joseph G. Rhatigan posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on October 7, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Joseph G. Rhatigan.