Assembly Resolution No. 401

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

MOURNING the death of Roswell L. Crozier, Jr.,
distinguished United States Air Force veteran,
former Mayor and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable dedication whose public
service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm
and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. of Painted Post, New York, died on
Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the age of 98; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 13, 1920, in Corning, New York, Roswell L.
Crozier, Jr. was the son of Roswell L. Crozier, Sr. and Francis Rogers;
he graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1938; and

WHEREAS, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. and the former Helen Tracey were
united in marriage on February 21, 1942, at Grace United Methodist
Church in Corning; he worked for a short time at Corning Glass Works
before enlisting in the Army Air Corps, which later became the United
States Air Force, on August 21, 1942; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Roz, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr.
graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy, where he earned a degree
in Aeronautical Engineering from Yale University and graduated from
U.S.A.F. Air War College; and

WHEREAS, A World War II veteran and member of the greatest
generation, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. valiantly served his country as a
member of the United States Air Force until April 30, 1965; his
significant military engagements included the D-Day Normandy landing,
Operations Crossbow, Market Garden and Sandstone and the Battle of the
Bulge, Northern and Southern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes, Italy and
the South Pacific; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, after the war ended, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr.
was stationed in England, Japan, Guam and the Philippines, before
serving in Iceland, France, India and the Belgian Congo; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. was
awarded the Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force
Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, EUR - /African/Middle
Eastern Campaign with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, State of New York Awards,
Conspicuous Service Cross and Conspicuous Service Star; and

WHEREAS, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. was a founding member and Executive
Director of Corning Cross Roads; he served as Trustee for the Village of

Painted Post, Deputy Mayor, and later as Mayor from 1996 to 2002; he was
elected again in 2010 and retired from office in 2015; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Roswell L.
Crozier, Jr. was named Painted Post Board of Trade Distinguished Citizen
in 2002, and in 2013, he was inducted into the New York State Senate
Veterans Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. is survived by his loving wife,
Helen; two sons, Kent (Cheryl) and Michael (Carole); three
grandchildren, Michael (Anne), Katharine and Tressa;
great-granddaughter, Holly; sister-in-law, Betty; and numerous nieces
and nephews; he was predeceased by his siblings, Norman, Donald and
Alice (Bob); brothers-in law and sisters-in-law: Frances (Shotty),
Beverly, William (Mike), Evelyn (Boo), Lynn and Carole; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. 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 Roswell L. Crozier, Jr., 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 Roswell L. Crozier, Jr.