Senate Resolution No. 3059

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Howard A. Richards posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on June 8, 2020

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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Howard A.
Richards posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, June 8, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards was born to Charlotte (Hutchinson) and
Abram Richards on January 16, 1922, in Nassau, New York; after
graduating from Martin Van Buren High School in Valatie, New York, he
worked as a plumber for several years before enlisting in the United
States Army on November 11, 1942; and

WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards proudly served his country as a Sergeant
during World War II; during his three-year deployment, he supervised 16
men in various aspects of firearms with Battery C 337th Field Artillery
Battalion; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Sergeant Howard A. Richards also studied
all known war gases, their uses and effects and defense against them at
Chemical Warfare School; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War,
Sergeant Howard A. Richards was awarded the American Service Medal,
European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct
Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on November 5,
1945, Howard A. Richards returned to his hometown and resumed his career
with the Plumber and Steamfitter Local No. 7, working various jobs
throughout the Capital District; he officially retired after 37 years of
service; and

WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards was also employed at Schaefer Brewery in
Albany, New York, for many years; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, Howard A. Richards was a
vital member of VFW Post No. 8162, Nassau American Legion Post No. 1268,
and Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Howard A.
Richards enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was camping or fishing, and
liked to play cards and work on puzzles; above all, he loved to spend
time with his wife of 44 years, the former Dorothy Karle; his four
daughters, Cheryl, Corinne, Claudia, and Cindy; and most especially, his

eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Aisha, Kam, Jason, Karlee, Michael,
Christie, and Robin; and

WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards died on August 2, 1987, at the age of
65; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Howard A. Richards 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 Howard A. Richards posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on May 11, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Howard A. Richards.