Senate Resolution No. 2311

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Donald Locke upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Donald Locke upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday; a
party was held in his honor on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Winthrop
American Legion with approximately 250 friends and family members in
attendance; and

WHEREAS, Donald Locke, a resident of Brasher Falls, New York his
entire life, was born on July 10, 1919; and

WHEREAS, As a young boy, Donald Locke had a job delivering milk; he
would put a quart of milk on the doorstep for 8 cents; and

WHEREAS, He graduated in 1938 from the former Brasher-Stockholm High
School, and then attended Ithaca College before enlisting in the United
States Navy during World War II, spending two years aboard amphibious
ships; and

WHEREAS, While growing up, sports were always a big part of his
life; Donald Locke excelled in baseball, he even played for a
semi-professional team in Brasher Falls; and

WHEREAS, An avid Boston Red Sox fan, Donald Locke loved the game of
baseball so much that when his playing days ended, he became an umpire,
which he continued to do for 42 years; and

WHEREAS, One of Donald Locke's favorite past-times was square
dancing; his dad built a new barn and he and his friends held barn
dances; and

WHEREAS, Donald Locke, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, On July 7, 1941, Donald married his wife, Jane, and
together they raised four wonderful children, Barbara, Susan, Donna, and
Murray; the couple enjoyed more than six decades of marriage together
before her passing in 2006; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and


WHEREAS, Donald Locke has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Donald Locke upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Donald Locke.