LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William J. Devitt upon the occasion of
his designation by the Orange County United Way as a recipient of a
Marion S. Murphy Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award on March 18, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
William J. Devitt upon the occasion of his designation by the Orange
County United Way as a recipient of the Marion S. Murphy Neighbors Help-
ing Neighbors Award at its Annual Celebration of Dedication and Service
Dinner, to be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Anthony's Pier 9 in
New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award is named in memory of
Marion S. Murphy, former Orange County Clerk and longtime Orange County
United Way Board member and volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Each year this most prestigious award is bestowed upon indi-
viduals whose value and concern for people are demonstrated through
their vision, leadership, service, and commitment to the Orange County
community; and
WHEREAS, William J. "Bill" Devitt, Merrill Lynch First Vice President
- Investments and Senior Financial Advisor and community volunteer, has
been called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic
and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly;
and
WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, William J. Devitt has dedicated many
years of service on behalf of the Orange County Cerebral Palsy Associ-
ation (dba Inspire) and the Orange County community; he has volunteered
his time, talent and expertise in numerous capacities at Inspire serving
as a Board Member, Treasurer, and Building Committee Chair, and current-
ly, as President of its Foundation; and
WHEREAS, William J. Devitt, in addition, chaired a capital campaign
for the building of Inspire Kids Preschool which opened in 1999 and,
seeing the need for dental care for people with special needs and Medi-
caid recipients, he spearheaded a fundraising campaign which helped
Inspire add dentistry to its services; and
WHEREAS, William J. Devitt also serves as Commissioner of the Montgom-
ery Fire Department and as a member of the boards of the Community Foun-
dation of Orange & Sullivan Counties and of Wallkill Cemetery; he is a
member of the Middletown Rotary Club and is a former Village of Montgom-
ery Mayor and Trustee; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed are the impressive dedication, tireless advocacy
and leadership shown by an individual for the benefit of others which
William J. Devitt has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the
edification and-emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend William J. Devitt upon the occasion of his designation by the
Orange County United Way as a recipient of a Marion S. Murphy Neighbors
Helping Neighbors Award on March 18, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William J. Devitt.