Senate Resolution No. 1905

BY: Senator AMEDORE

CONGRATULATING Richard Rapp upon the occasion of
his retirement after 41 years of distinguished
service as Supervisor of the Town of Westerlo, New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Richard Rapp upon the occasion of his retirement after 41
years of distinguished service as Supervisor of the Town of Westerlo,
New York; he officially retired from this esteemed position on Tuesday,
March 5, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rapp, affectionately known as Dick, began his
illustrious career in public service with the Town of Westerlo as an
Assessor, a position he held for 10 years, before being elected
Supervisor in 1977; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Richard Rapp oversaw the creation of a
number of town resources and projects, including the purchase of the
Westerlo school building for use as its Town Hall; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, Richard Rapp was instrumental in the establishment
of a library in the donated building which once served as a general
store; furthermore, a museum was placed in the back of the library
before renovations were made to a building on Route 1, where the museum
officially opened in 2015; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Westerlo, Richard Rapp has a true
passion for the history of his hometown; he authorized the purchase of
the Westerlo bandwagon, on which the town band had once traveled, as
well as a tent of artifacts, both of which were displayed at the Town's
2015 Bicentennial Celebration; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Supervisor, Richard Rapp began
working for the Albany County Department of Public Works in 1982; he
went on to be appointed Commissioner six years later, retiring in 2000;
and

WHEREAS, Richard Rapp previously worked for the Hudson River
Construction Company in Albany, New York, for 26 years; and

WHEREAS, For a half-century, Richard Rapp rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Town of Westerlo, earning the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife of nearly 60 years
who has shown him love and support and rejoices in his many
achievements; and


WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Richard Rapp over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Richard Rapp upon the occasion of his retirement after 41
years of distinguished service as Supervisor of the Town of Westerlo,
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard Rapp.