Senate Resolution No. 394

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Thomas D. Herzog, former
Town of Lewisboro supervisor, dedicated educator,
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Thomas D. Herzog, who died on Sunday, January 27,
2019, at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog, affectionately known to his family and
friends as Tom, was born to the late James and Dorothy Herzog on April
27, 1935, in New York City; he grew up spending weekends in South Salem,
New York, and during the summers, he worked as a counselor at the
Waccabuc Day Camp, and at a camp on Lake George; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Amherst College in 1957, Thomas D.
Herzog earned his master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of
Education in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog began his long and distinguished career in
education as an elementary school teacher for the Somers school
district; he also served as a principal in both the Croton Harmon and
North Salem school districts; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, Thomas D. Herzog immediately launched
a second career in town politics, and was elected to the Lewisboro Town
Board in 1996; he then served three terms as town supervisor; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Thomas D. Herzog truly embraced his
duty as a public servant, and cherished his home town and all of its
inhabitants, be they human, flora, or fauna; he chaired the library
board, led the housing committee, and worked as a parking attendant at
the Golden Bridge Railroad Station; and

WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog was also instrumental in creating the Old
Field Preserve in Waccabuc and the annual Fireworks Spectacular,
procuring the agreement to maintain Echo Farms in South Salem as a farm,
improving the playing fields at Onatru Farm, bringing Westchester
Emergency Medical Services into the towns of northern Westchester
County, solving the 20-year old parking problem, and constructing the
bypass road at the train station; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his roles as an educator and public servant,
Thomas D. Herzog was a vital part of the South Salem Fire Department for

over five decades; he served as president of the department twice, from
1965-1967, and again from 2009-2015, and was co-chair of the
Department's Board of Directors for over 15 years; and

WHEREAS, A thinker, doer and a wearer of silly hats, Thomas D.
Herzog was a man of many passions and interests; he loved his community,
his family, New Yorker comics, the Yankees, the Lewisboro Little League
and the Lewisboro Adult Program, rescue dogs, and his beloved garden;
and

WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog is survived by his wife of 62 years, the
former Mary Andrews; one brother, John; three sons, Charles (Susan),
Jimmy (Kim), and Bill (Joan); and six grandchildren, as well as a legion
of friends and community members who will long treasure his memory; and

WHEREAS, Thomas D. Herzog truly led by example, and in doing so, has
left a lasting impact on the Town of Lewisboro, the county of
Westchester, and New York State as a whole; and

WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Thomas D.
Herzog's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful
public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity,
unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself,
will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in
their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Thomas D. Herzog, former Town of Lewisboro
supervisor, dedicated educator, and devoted member of his community,
recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of public service;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas D. Herzog.