Senate Resolution No. 2428

BY: Senator RITCHIE

MOURNING the death of Robert E. White,
distinguished 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, Robert E. White of Potsdam, New York died on Thursday,
December 5, 2019, at the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 10, 1954, in Potsdam, New York, to Robert
White and Winona Carpenter, Robert E. White graduated from Potsdam
Central School with the Class of 1974, and married the love of his life,
Trudy Hassler just a year later; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Robert E. White began his career with
Alcoa Metals, where he was employed for 31 years; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. White joined the West Stockholm Volunteer Fire
Department in 1978, and that very same year, was named the department's
Fireman of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Just two years later, Robert E. White would become the West
Stockholm Volunteer Fire Department's Chief, a position he held for 33
of his 41 years with the department; and

WHEREAS, In addition to serving West Stockholm, Robert E. White
served as a Deputy Fire Coordinator for District 3, a role which
required him to use his expertise to ensure firefighters across the
region were well trained, protected, and ready for duty; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. White also served as the co-operation's manager
for the fire training center in West Potsdam; and

WHEREAS, Giving back to the community was a top priority to Robert
E. White, and in addition to his firefighting duties, he served as
Commissioner for the Potsdam Youth Baseball and Softball organizations;
this role allowed him to help local children develop important skills
and achieve brighter futures; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. White is survived by his wife, Trudy; two sons,
Nicholas (Adrienne) and Jason (Doug); three grandchildren, Fletcher,
Reagan, and Miles; two sisters, Nancy and Vonnie; as well as several
nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert E. White 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 Robert E. White, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert E. White.