LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Richard M. Pedro, World War
II veteran, distinguished 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, Richard "Dick" M. Pedro of Owego, New York, died on Friday,
January 10, 2014, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro served his country during World War II as a
member of the United States Navy from May 24, 1944 until October 30,
1947, which included 22 months sea duty aboard the USS Weiss and was
honorably discharged; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the United States Navy, Richard M.
Pedro joined The American Legion and Tioga Post No. 401 in Owego, New
York, and has been an active member for 65 continuous years; he also
served as National Commander of the American Legion; in 1964, he was
commended with an Honorary Life Membership; and
WHEREAS, Spending much of his life advocating for fellow servicemem-
bers, Richard M. Pedro served in numerous positions with The American
Legion at the local, state, and national levels; throughout his life, he
remained true to the goals and ideals of the Preamble to The American
Legion Constitution by his service to God and country and devotion to
mutual helpfulness by service; and
WHEREAS, Retired from IBM after 33 years of service, Richard M. Pedro
served his community as Communicant and Lay-lector of St. Patrick's
Church, Owego, New York; member of the Tioga County Historical Society;
Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Life Member of the Elks
Lodge No. 1039; President of the Tioga County Christmas League; member
and Past Board President of the New York State Veterans' Home in Oxford,
New York; and
WHEREAS, In July of 2013, Richard M. Pedro decided to retire from the
day to day activities as Department Adjutant, American Legion, Depart-
ment of New York, to spend more time with his family; and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Michael and Florence Pedro;
brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Jean Pedro, sister and brother-
in-law, Arlene and Donald Whitney; brother-in-law, John Salata; Richard
M. Pedro is survived by his loving wife of almost 61 years, Jeanne M.
Pedro; daughter, Debra A. Hackett; son, Richard JM Pedro; seven beauti-
ful grandchildren, Jacquelyn M., Nicole L., Taylor A. and James B. Hack-
ett, John M., Richard D., and Christopher M. Pedro; and sister-in-law,
Darlene Salata; as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard M. Pedro 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 Richard M. Pedro, World War II veteran, 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 Richard M. Pedro.