Senate Resolution No. 2189

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Edward J. Simonik, Sr. posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Edward J.
Simonik, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Edward Joseph Simonik, Sr. was born to Catherine (Fimonick)
and Wallace M. Simonik on March 25, 1928, in Plainville, Connecticut; he
and his family moved to upstate New York, where he attended Troy City
Schools; and

WHEREAS, On May 18, 1945, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. enrolled in the
United States Merchant Marine, in New York, New York, and graduated from
the United States Maritime Service Training Station on September 1,
1945, at Sheepshead Bay, New York; and

WHEREAS, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. served on foreign and inter-coastal
voyages aboard the N.Y.U. Victory, the Texarkana Victory and the
Amarillo Victory, as a Fireman/Watertender and Oiler; on April 30, 1946,
he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. on April 30, 1946, in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, After attending the Naval Air Technical Training Center in
Memphis, Tennessee, Private First Class Edward J. Simonik, Sr. proudly
served his country as an aircraft mechanic during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on June 15,
1947, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. returned to his hometown, and worked as a
supervisor in the Albany Sub Station Department of the Niagara Mohawk
Power Corporation for 38 years; and

WHEREAS, On April 17, 1949, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. married his wife,
the late Betty Jane (Davis), and together, they raised one daughter,
Kathryn Anne, and one son, Edward Joseph Jr.; he was also the loving
grandfather of one granddaughter, Audrey; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. was a
communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, and a vital member of the 25

Year Club of Niagara Mohawk, the Brunswick Elks, the Cossayuna Lake
Association and the American Legion, Wynantskill Post; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Edward J. Simonik, Sr. demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Edward J. Simonik, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Edward J. Simonik, Sr.