LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert Tom Riordan, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Robert Tom Riordan, noting the significance
of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan, of North Merrick, New York, died on
Friday, April 19, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, A United States Marine Corps veteran, Robert Tom Riordan was
an active member of the American Legion; for more than 20 years he
worked tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans; and
WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan served the American Legion in many capaci-
ties; he was Post Commander of both North Bellmore Post No. 1749 and
Merrick Post No. 1282, and served as the Commander of the Nassau County
American Legion Committee, the umbrella organization for all American
Legion posts in Nassau County; and
WHEREAS, In addition to helping American Legion Merrick Post No. 1282
achieve national and local recognition for excellence, Robert Tom Rior-
dan actively pursued service projects that benefited veterans, soldiers,
and the community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan spearheaded drives to collect used
eyeglasses for residents in need, and old books to be donated to veter-
ans in the Northport VA Nursing Home; he also raised funds to purchase
care packages for Nassau County residents serving in Iraq and Afghanis-
tan, and coordinated efforts with students to send care packages to
American troops stationed overseas; and
WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, His numerous efforts on behalf of veterans earned him several
honors; he was named Merrick's "Man of the Year" in 2001, received a
Town of Hempstead Veterans' Medal in 2002, earned the Nassau County
Distinguished Service to Veterans Award in 2007, and, in 2010, was a
recipient of the New York State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame Award; and
WHEREAS, Cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother, Robert
Tom Riordan is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Peggy (Micha-
el), Anne (Steven), and Robert (Megan); ten grandchildren, Ryan,
Patrick, Matthew, Tara, Christopher, Timothy, Kevin, Julia, Brian and
Sara; and brother, Paul; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Robert Tom Riordan 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 Tom Riordan, 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 Tom Riordan.