LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert K. Locker, 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, Robert K. Locker of Johnson City, New York, died on Monday,
May 9, 2011, at the age of 61; and
WHEREAS, Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Robert K. (Chief) Locker was
a member of the 1968 graduating class of Scranton Technical High School
in Scranton, Pennsylvania; he later attended Broome Community College,
and had taken numerous courses at the New York State Fire Academy in
Montour Falls; and
WHEREAS, A veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the United States
Navy from 1969 to 1973, Robert K. Locker then was in the United States
Naval Reserve for several years before transferring to the Army National
Guard where he served until 1991; and
WHEREAS, Robert K. Locker's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Robert K. Locker was a former employee of the IBM Corporation
in Endicott for over 29 years and then became Fire Marshal at Huron Real
Estate Associates until February of 2011; and
WHEREAS, He was elected to the Broome County Legislature for the 12th
District in November of 2010, representing the North Side of Johnson
City and the Mount Prospect and Sunrise Terrace portions of the Town of
Dickinson, serving on its Public Safety and Emergency Services, and
Public Works and Transportation Committees, as well as its Fire Advisory
Board; and
WHEREAS, Robert K. Locker was affiliated with numerous organizations;
his memberships included the following: the Prospect Terrace Volunteer
Fire Department for 38 years; Past President of Prospect Terrace's Board
of Directors and Department Chief for 10 years; the Broome County Fire
Advisory Board; Secretary of the Western Broome Fire Chief's Associ-
ation; the Broome County Engine 99 Committee; the Broome County Fire
Chief's Association; and the Broome County Firefighters Association, to
name a few; "Volunteer Bob" was always there to lend a helping hand; and
WHEREAS, Robert K. Locker distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Robert E. Locker, Robert K. Locker
is survived by his wife of 38 years and high school sweetheart, Kathy
Soniak Locker; his daughter, Rebecca and her husband, Richard Steele;
one son, Robert M. Locker and his wife, Alyzza Mazzarella; two grand-
children, Lindsey Anne and Justin Robert Steele; his mother, Ethel Yates
Locker; three brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Sharon Locker,
Kenneth and Ann Marie Locker, and Jeffrey and Maureen Locker; his moth-
er-in-law, Sophie Soniak; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael
and Claudia Soniak; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert K. Locker 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 Robert K. Locker, 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 K. Locker.