Senate Resolution No. 4192

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMENDING John Belanich upon the occasion of his
designation as the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the
Community Chest of Port Washington

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend John Belanich upon the occasion of his designation as the 2018
Citizen of the Year by the Community Chest of Port Washington, to be
celebrated on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Port Washington Public
Library in Port Washington, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each year since 1969, the Community Chest of Port
Washington selects an extraordinary resident or organization as its
Citizen of the Year; John Belanich is being recognized with this
auspicious award for his lifetime of outstanding volunteer service to
the Port Washington community; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Port Washington, John Belanich truly
epitomizes the Community Chest's motto of "The People of Port Helping
the People of Port"; for more than 45 years, he has been devoted to
making Port Washington a better place for its residents to live, work,
and play; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 25, 1930, John Belanich was raised in Hell's
Kitchen and Astoria, New York; from 1948-1951, he proudly served his
country as a radio mechanic in the United States Air Force during the
Korean War; and

WHEREAS, In 1953, John Belanich married Barbara, and together, they
raised their children in her family home on Prospect Avenue in Port
Washington; and

WHEREAS, John Belanich attended both Pratt Institute and Hofstra
University where he earned his degrees in engineering; after graduating,
he founded and ran several engineering/systems/technology businesses,
and taught vocational electronics at the Henry Viscardi Center; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, John Belanich has been a
member of St. Peter of Alcantara conference of St. Vincent de Paul
Society since 1972; in this role, he strives to help residents,
regardless of their religion, with the basics of life, food, housing,
furniture needs, fuel, and scholarships, to sustain them through
difficult times; and

WHEREAS, John Belanich served on the Board and held the title of
Treasurer of the Port Washington Community Action Council for 16 years;

he also assisted volunteers with computer and organizational issues at
the Twin Pines Consumer Association and Thrift Shop; and

WHEREAS, From 1982-2002, John Belanich volunteered his time and
energy to Littig House Community Center, holding the leadership
positions of Treasurer, Vice President, and President; in this capacity,
he has served as a strong advocate for affordable housing in Port
Washington; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this remarkable man was a highly respected
Board member, Chair of the Budget and Allocation Committee and Chair and
Treasurer of the Building Committee for Community Chest of Port
Washington from 1991-2003; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Barbara, their four
children, and four grandchildren, all of whom have shown him love and
support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John Belanich upon the occasion of his designation as the 2018
Citizen of the Year by the Community Chest of Port Washington; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Belanich.