LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
Robert G. Cooke, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Former 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, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, The late Robert G. Cooke will be honored on Monday, June 1,
2009, at the Albany County "Honor a Veteran Ceremony" to be held at the
County Cahill Room, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Robert G. Cooke died on September 26, 2008; born on May 12,
1920, in Albany, New York, he served on active duty in the United States
Marine Corps from April 14, 1942, to October 9, 1945; and
WHEREAS, During his active duty military service in the South Pacific
in World War II with the First Marine Division, Robert G. Cooke was a
corporal and served as a field radio operator; he participated in combat
operations at Guadalcanal, New Britain, Pelein, and Okinawa; and
WHEREAS, Robert G. Cooke was the recipient of the World War II Victory
Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and
Combat Action Ribbon; he also received numerous U.S. Marine Corps Unit
Citations; and
WHEREAS, After the war, Robert G. Cooke was employed with the United
States Postal Service; in 1979, after 40 years of service, he retired as
a superintendent of letter carriers; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Robert G. Cooke was a Past President
of Branch 29 of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and a
member of Branch 83 of the National Association of Postal Supervisors;
and
WHEREAS, Robert G. Cooke was instrumental in erecting a memorial to
the First Marine Division at the Saratoga National Cemetery, and was
active with the First Marine Division Association; and
WHEREAS, Robert G. Cooke is survived by his dear friend, Peg Romanzo;
his cousins, Bob Mineau, Joan Mineau, and Mary Ellen O'Connor; his step-
son, Ed Romanzo; and his grandsons, Ed Fennell and Nicholas Rafferty;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Robert G. Cooke, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert G. Cooke.