LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Ralph F. Mandia, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

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, Ralph F. Mandia of Clarkstown, New York died on June 2, 2009,
at the age of 64, four days shy of his 65th Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York City on June 6, 1944, to Orazio and Benedet-
ta, Ralph F. Mandia grew up surrounded by his sister, Stephanie and his
extended family in Astoria, New York, where he developed his passion for
music and public service; and
WHEREAS, He learned to play the guitar and sing and played in various
bands in and around New York City; he recorded a few songs under the
stage name "Jerry Dayton" in the mid-1960s; it was while playing at a
bar that he met a beautiful young lady named Theresa, his future bride;
and
WHEREAS, Ralph F. Mandia served proudly in the United States Army
during the war in Vietnam, achieving the distinguished rank of Sergeant
while stationed mostly in Korea; upon honorable discharge, Ralph and
Theresa married in 1971; and
WHEREAS, While living in Queens, Ralph and Theresa Mandia welcomed
their first son, Michael on Christmas Day in 1974; they eventually
settled in West Nyack, New York, where they had their second son,
Matthew in 1979; and
WHEREAS, Ralph F. Mandia began working for Texaco in 1964, and
returned to work after his military service and remained with the compa-
ny until his retirement in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Ralph F. Mandia distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, He was elected to the Clarkstown Town Council in 1989, and
served proudly as Councilman and Police Commissioner until his retire-
ment February 1, 2009; in service, as in the rest of his life, Ralph F.
Mandia always put others before himself; and
WHEREAS, He will leave so many with memories of a gentleman and a man
of great integrity; Ralph was a peaceful man who never offended anyone,
and loved cars, boating and had a passion for baseball which he passed
on to his sons, but his true passion was people; and
WHEREAS, Ralph F. Mandia's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Ralph F. Mandia is survived by his devoted wife, Theresa; two
sons, Michael and wife, Christina, and Matthew and wife, Nicole; a
sister, Stephanie; and one grandson, Michael Orazio; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Ralph F. Mandia leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Ralph F. Mandia, 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 Ralph F. Mandia.