LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dante J. Orsini upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition on May 29, 2010

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dante J. Orsini upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition on Saturday, May 29, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 29, 1920, Dante J. Orsini grew up in South Glens
Falls, New York; he graduated from Saint Mary's Academy of Glens Falls
in 1938 and went on to complete a post-graduate year at South Glens
Falls High School in 1939; while at both schools, he participated in
varsity baseball, basketball, football and soccer; and
WHEREAS, On May 4, 1940, Dante J. Orsini enlisted in the United States
Marine Corps; after boot training at Paris Island, South Carolina, he
was chosen to attend the Marine Corps Institute in Washington, D.C.,
where he became Chief Clerk of the school administration; and
WHEREAS, While stationed in Washington (1940-1943), Dante J. Orsini
was selected to serve with the White House and U.S. Capitol Guard; as
part of this detail he attended the Inaugural Ball, acted as one of 12
Marine Security detail at the dedication of the Jefferson Memorial and
participated in over 30 funerals at the Arlington National Cemetery at
Marine security-honor guard; and
WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, Dante J. Orsini was playing basketball
at the Naval War College when he was informed of the Pearl Harbor attack
by the Japanese; on December 8, 1941, he was part of a contingent of
Marines who were security at the House of Representatives when President
Roosevelt asked a joint session of Congress for a declaration of war
against Japan; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1943, Dante J. Orsini was named First Sergeant of
3rd Company; shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Sergeant Major, the
highest enlisted rank, and at the age of 23, possibly the youngest
Sergeant Major in the United States Marine Corps at that time; and
WHEREAS, Dante J. Orsini was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant USMC on
January 12, 1944, at Quantico, Virginia; after 12 weeks, he resigned
commission and returned to Sergeant Major rank; and
WHEREAS, As Battalion Sergeant Major, Dante J. Orsini was transferred
to the First Marine Division, training in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina;
after two months, the Division left for overseas duty in the South
Pacific; he participated and saw action during the invasion of the
island of Guam, (1944) where the Marines built airfields for B29
aircraft; and
WHEREAS, In June 1945, the Marines landed on Okinawa, the last battle
in the South Pacific; Dante J. Orsini's battalion (11th Marines) saw
action at the NAHA Airport and Shuri Castle; while temporarily attached
to the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa, he received a letter of commenda-
tion from the Commanding General for duties performed as a member of a
special forces unit; and
WHEREAS, In December 1945, the First Marine Division was ordered to
Peking, China, to take control of the U.S. Embassy; after several skirm-
ishes, the Marines took command of the Embassy from the Communists;
during this time, he became the Sergeant Major of the First Division;
and

WHEREAS, The First Division was ordered home in February 1946 and
Dante J. Orsini was honorably discharged at Bainbridge, Maryland on
February 15, 1946, after six years of valiant and distinguished service;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout his impeccable service as a United States Marine,
Dante J. Orsini received a multitude of awards and accolades including a
Division Crest for his service as Sergeant Major of the First Marine
Division as well as several Presidential Unit Citations for his service
with the Navy and Marine Corps Asiatic and Pacific Meritorious Unit; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return home, Dante J. Orsini married his wife Hazel
(Deeb) on March 3, 1946, in St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Dante J. Orsini joined the Scott Paper Company in Fort
Edward, New York, in October of 1949; throughout his esteemed career, he
held several managerial positions including serving as the Data Process-
ing Manager for 10 years; after 32 years of dedicated service he retired
as the Materials Handling Manager on January 1, 1982; and
WHEREAS, While employed at the Scott Paper Company, Dante J. Orsini
was Treasurer and Director of Scott Association, the Company Employee
Benefit and Recreational Organization for over 15 years; he attended
many schools on management and financing held annually in Philadelphia
and Detroit; he also completed a three-year course in practical account-
ing with LaSalle University; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Dante J. Orsini 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, Dante J. Orsini has been a member of the South Glens Falls
Rotary Club since 1961; he has proudly served as its Secretary and Pres-
ident and has been a Chairman of several committees including Attend-
ance, Classifications, Programs, Membership, Rotary Information, Public
Relations, and Special Awards; and
WHEREAS, He also served on several District committees and has
attended many district conferences and assemblies; for several years he
was Chairman of Secretary/Treasurer seminars at District Assembly; and
WHEREAS, The South Glens Falls Rotary named him a Paul Harris Fellow
in 1987; in 1988, he was named Rotarian of the Year by his peers and in
2003, he was honored by the Club for his many years of dedicated
service; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dante J. Orsini is a 60 year member, past Presi-
dent and current Board member of his local Chamber of Commerce; he is
also a 60 year member and past Commandant of the Marine Corps League,
Memorial Detachment No. 2; additionally, he is a 60 year member of the
American Legion and a 50 year member of the St. Michael's Church and
Parish; and
WHEREAS, Dante J. Orsini has also served as Trustee and Deputy Mayor
of the Village of South Glens Falls, Chairman of the Water Pollution
Abatement Program; President of the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity
Council, Inc.; President of the Glens Falls Youth Center; and President
of the South Glens Falls Senior High PTA; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dante J. Orsini has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Hazel, their four
children, as well as their five grandchildren and six great-grandchil-
dren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dante J. Orsini has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Dante J. Orsini, a very active and industrious nonagenarian,
has inspired and enriched the lives of his family and friends through
his love and respect for others, generously sharing the wisdom gained
over years of experiencing life to its fullest; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and commend those who have witnessed and contributed to the devel-
opments and achievements of our Nation, State, and communities over the
course of their noteworthy lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dante J. Orsini upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition on May 29, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dante J. Orsini.