LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Francis S. Dohnalek,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to the
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, World War II Veteran Francis S. Dohnalek, of Johnson City,
New York, died on June 29, 2010, at the age of 83, after living a rich
and noble life; and
WHEREAS, Born March 16, 1927, in Binghamton, New York, Francis S.
Dohnalek excelled in high school football and track and was a member of
the Slovak Gymnastics Club; after high school he went on to play semi
professional football; and
WHEREAS, Francis S. Dohnalek attended St. Bonaventure University where
he was pursuing a career in the priesthood when he bravely chose to join
the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was stationed in
the Pacific Theater in China; and
WHEREAS, Becoming a fireman in Johnson City, New York, in 1951 Francis
S. Dohnalek held the rank of Lieutenant, then Captain, and eventually
became Assistant Chief; he retired from the Johnson City Fire Department
after 47 years of loyal service, loving and cherishing his career as a
firefighter; and
WHEREAS, A well decorated and admired fireman, Francis S. Dohnalek
earned the prestigious Fireman of the Year award on more than one occa-
sion and was honored for courageously saving the life of a fellow fire-
man; and
WHEREAS, Francis S. Dohnalek was the esteemed Grand Marshall of the
Broome County Firefighter's Parade; Johnson City fire truck Number Two
was dedicated in his honor, bearing a plaque with his name on it; after
retirement, he enjoyed spending Saturday mornings visiting the Johnson
City Firefighters; and
WHEREAS, A proud member of many organizations, Francis S. Dohnalek was
affiliated with the American Legion Post 758, the New York State Profes-
sional Firefighters Association, the New York State Fire Training
Instructors Association, the IAFF Local 921, the New York State Associ-
ation of Fire Chiefs, and the Broome County Firefighter's Association;
and
WHEREAS, Generously giving of his time volunteering at the Catholic
Charities food pantry, Francis S. Dohnalek was awarded many times for
his noble efforts as a good Samaritan; he received several certificates
of appreciation from the American Red Cross for his years of dedicated
service; and
WHEREAS, In addition to receiving a multitude of awards and accolades
throughout his lifetime, The Francis Dohnalek Scholarship Fund, Johnson
City Parent Teacher Association award for outstanding service to Johnson
City Youth, was created in his name; and
WHEREAS, Francis S. Dohnalek and his wife Julia received the Johnson
City Sertoma Service to Mankind Award for their foster parent work;
besides their five natural children, this compassionate couple were
foster parents for Catholic Social Services to 123 foster children; and
WHEREAS, Francis S. Dohnalek enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching
football, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family; and
WHEREAS, Francis S. Dohnalek is survived by his loving wife of 60
years, Julia; his four wonderful children, Sheila, Jean, Joe and Danny;
his grandchildren, Tim, Rebecca, Chrissy, Ben, Jack, Rachel, Abbie and

Olivia; and his great-grandchildren, Brayden, Adyson, Elyssa, and Hunt-
er; as well as many other foster children, friends and family; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Francis S. Dohnalek 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 Francis S. Dohnalek, 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 Francis S. Dohnalek.