2013-J3345
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of William K. Distler, 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, William K. Distler of Endwell, New York, and a former resi-
dent of Newark Valley, New York, died on January 1, 2014, at the age of
82; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, William K. Distler resided in St. Mary's
Pennsylvania, and graduated from St. Mary's High School; and
WHEREAS, William K. Distler, a wounded veteran, served his country as
a member of the United States Army for 39 months during the Korean
Conflict; and
WHEREAS, William K. Distler was a graduate of Lock Haven Teachers
College and received his Masters in Education from the University of
Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, He was dedicated to education, serving as Principal of the
Newark Valley High School for 21 years and in Teachers Associations; in
honor and memory of William K. Distler, his family will be establishing
a Newark Valley High School Scholarship Fund; and
WHEREAS, William K. Distler also served his community for two terms as
Tioga County Legislator, two terms as Tioga County Treasurer; was a Boy
Scout Leader; former member of the VFW, American Legion, and Loyal Order
of Moose; he will be remembered for his great sense of humor; and
WHEREAS, William K. Distler distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Wallace and Florence Distler, and
siblings, Wallace Distler, Jr. and Bonnie Caggeso, William K. Distler is
survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carmella N. Distler; children:
Robert (Wendy) Distler, of Milford, OH, Mark (Darlene) Distler, of
Lafayette, NY, John (Kathy) Distler, of Westminster, MD, Caryn (Kurt)
Johnson, of Endicott and Barbara (David) Distler of Cicero, NY; grand-
children: Greg, Jenna, Mark, Lauren, Kaitlyn, Kyle and Kaileigh; broth-
ers: James and Ronald Distler; several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William K. Distler 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 William K. Distler, 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 William K. Distler