Honor Donald Locke’s 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 2311 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Donald Locke upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Donald Locke upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday; a party was held in his honor on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Winthrop American Legion with approximately 250 friends and family members in attendance; and WHEREAS, Donald Locke, a resident of Brasher Falls, New York his entire life, was born on July 10, 1919; and WHEREAS, As a young boy, Donald Locke had a job delivering milk; he would put a quart of milk on the doorstep for 8 cents; and WHEREAS, He graduated in 1938 from the former Brasher-Stockholm High School, and then attended Ithaca College before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II, spending two years aboard amphibious ships; and WHEREAS, While growing up, sports were always a big part of his life; Donald Locke excelled in baseball, he even played for a semi-professional team in Brasher Falls; and WHEREAS, An avid Boston Red Sox fan, Donald Locke loved the game of baseball so much that when his playing days ended, he became an umpire, which he continued to do for 42 years; and WHEREAS, One of Donald Locke's favorite past-times was square dancing; his dad built a new barn and he and his friends held barn dances; and WHEREAS, Donald Locke, with his zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and WHEREAS, On July 7, 1941, Donald married his wife, Jane, and together they raised four wonderful children, Barbara, Susan, Donna, and Murray; the couple enjoyed more than six decades of marriage together before her passing in 2006; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, Donald Locke has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Donald Locke upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Donald Locke.