LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Juanita Dorothy Richard,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her 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, Juanita Richard of Brooklyn, New York, died on Sunday, May
16, 2010, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Richard distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Richard's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Wesley and
Archie Wilcher, Juanita Dorothy Wilcher and her family moved to Brook-
lyn, New York, in 1926; as a college graduate and teacher, Wesley Wilch-
er instilled the value of education into his daughters; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Wilcher and her younger sister, Vera, both attended
PS 5 and later graduated from Girls High School; through the years,
Juanita won several beauty pageants and studied piano and voice; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the Carlton Y Glee Club, Juanita Wilcher made
her debut at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City along with
her sister, Vera in 1940; they had an extraordinary bond as they partic-
ipated in several clubs together, attended the same church, and made
sure the entire family gathered together during the holidays; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Wilcher's captivating personality and beauty
attracted Mr. Harold W. Richard; they later married on March 7, 1942,
and during their 52 years of marriage, Juanita gave birth to seven beau-
tiful children, Barbara, Harold II, Vernon, Juanita, Diedre, Harold III,
and Derek; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Richard devoted her life to raising her children and
instilling in them moral family values and independence; she was prede-
ceased by her husband, Harold, and three sons, Derek, Harold II, and
Vernon; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Richard's son, Vernon, was a Captain with the New
York City Fire Department; he perished during the 9/11 terrorist attacks
on the World Trade Center, and Juanita showed resilience while making it
known that her son died a hero; and
WHEREAS, Juanita Richard is survived by her sister, Dr. Vera D.
Mattingly, her four children, Barbara, Juanita, Diedre, and Harold III,
son-in-law, Kenneth, daughter-in-law, Dorothy, 13 grandchildren, 11
great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a
host of loving friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Juanita Richard leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Juanita Dorothy Richard, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Juanita Dorothy Richard.