Senate Resolution No. 1659

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Richard Paul Jansson posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Richard
Paul Jansson posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 23, 1936 in Yonkers, New York, Richard Paul
Jansson was the son of the late Sven and Violet Jansson; and

WHEREAS, Richard Paul Jansson proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Navy from August 23, 1954 until August 22, 1962,
when he transferred to the United States Navy Reserve; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Richard Paul
Jansson worked as a firefighter for Electric Boat for many years before
his retirement when he began spending his time at the Colchester Senior
Center where he enjoyed playing cards and Pinnacle; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he enjoyed skeet shooting, hunting and
bowling, as well as spending time with his beloved family; and

WHEREAS, Richard Paul Jansson and the love of his life, the former
Joan Ogden, were united in marriage on May 19, 1956; the couple spent 63
wonderful years together until Joan passed away in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Richard Paul Jansson died on Wednesday, January 22, 2020,
at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, He is survived by his daughters, Brenda and Deborah; four
grandchildren, Terrence, Ricky, Amber and Brandon; eight
great-grandchildren, Brittney, Ricky Jr., Julian, Jennifer, Bentley,
Jesse, Riley and Erica; and his siblings, Wesley, David, Ernest (Cathy)
and Edith; as well as numerous extended family members and friends; in
addition to his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by his brother,
Bill, and his sister, Florence; 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,
Richard Paul Jansson 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 Richard Paul Jansson posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard Paul Jansson.