Senate Resolution No. 2160

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Joseph M. Spairana 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 Joseph M.
Spairana 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 August 17, 1917 in Troy, New York, Joseph M.
Spairana was the son of the late John J. and Mary Ann Carnevale
Spairana; he was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and the
Veterans Vocational School, which is now known as Hudson Valley
Community College; he also attended Russell Sage College Evening
Division; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Spairana proudly served his country as member of
the United States Army from April 14, 1942 until April 5, 1945, during
which time he achieved the rank of Corporal; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Joseph M.
Spairana was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
(EAME) Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Spairana retired as the Veterans Counselor at
Hudson Valley Community College in Troy at the age of 75, prior to which
he served as Director of the Rensselaer County Veterans Service Agency,
as well as Sales Manager for the Charles Dauchy Paint Company and
Salesman and Estimator for Grimm Building Materials Company; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Joseph M. Spairana was a past president of the United
Commercial Travelers and a past president of the Lansingburgh Rotary
Club; he was also a member of the VFW and the Disabled American
Veterans; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he gave tirelessly of his time and energies as
a neighborhood commissioner for the Uncle Sam Boy Scouts Council for
over 15 years; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Joseph M.
Spairana was an active member of St. Augustine's Church where he was a

longtime member of the Bingo committee, a member of the former bazaar
committee, and an usher for more than 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Spairana and his beloved wife, Josephine Quick
Spairana, were the proud parents of three wonderful sons, Jeffrey,
Joseph and Jan; 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Joseph M. Spairana demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Spairana died on Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the
age of 87; 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 M. Spairana 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 Joseph M. Spairana.