Honor Thomas D. Herzog

Senate Resolution No. 394 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Thomas D. Herzog, former Town of Lewisboro supervisor, dedicated educator, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of Thomas D. Herzog, who died on Sunday, January 27,

27, 1935, in New York City; he grew up spending weekends in South Salem, New York, and during the summers, he worked as a counselor at the Waccabuc Day Camp, and at a camp on Lake George; and WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Amherst College in 1957, Thomas D. Herzog earned his master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1959; and WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog began his long and distinguished career in education as an elementary school teacher for the Somers school district; he also served as a principal in both the Croton Harmon and North Salem school districts; and WHEREAS, After his retirement, Thomas D. Herzog immediately launched a second career in town politics, and was elected to the Lewisboro Town Board in 1996; he then served three terms as town supervisor; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Thomas D. Herzog truly embraced his duty as a public servant, and cherished his home town and all of its inhabitants, be they human, flora, or fauna; he chaired the library board, led the housing committee, and worked as a parking attendant at the Golden Bridge Railroad Station; and WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog was also instrumental in creating the Old Field Preserve in Waccabuc and the annual Fireworks Spectacular, procuring the agreement to maintain Echo Farms in South Salem as a farm, improving the playing fields at Onatru Farm, bringing Westchester Emergency Medical Services into the towns of northern Westchester County, solving the 20-year old parking problem, and constructing the bypass road at the train station; and WHEREAS, In addition to his roles as an educator and public servant, Thomas D. Herzog was a vital part of the South Salem Fire Department for over five decades; he served as president of the department twice, from

1965-1967, and again from 2009-2015, and was co-chair of the Department's Board of Directors for over 15 years; and WHEREAS, A thinker, doer and a wearer of silly hats, Thomas D. Herzog was a man of many passions and interests; he loved his community, his family, New Yorker comics, the Yankees, the Lewisboro Little League and the Lewisboro Adult Program, rescue dogs, and his beloved garden; and WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Mary Andrews; one brother, John; three sons, Charles (Susan), Jimmy (Kim), and Bill (Joan); and six grandchildren, as well as a legion of friends and community members who will long treasure his memory; and WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog truly led by example, and in doing so, has left a lasting impact on the Town of Lewisboro, the county of Westchester, and New York State as a whole; and WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Thomas D. Herzog's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself, will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Thomas D. Herzog, former Town of Lewisboro supervisor, dedicated educator, and devoted member of his community, recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of public service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Thomas D. Herzog.