Assembly Resolution No. 85

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

CELEBRATING the life of William H. Hart Sr.,
distinguished veteran, devoted family man, and
pillar in his community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of William H. Hart Sr., an extraordinary
gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life will
long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, William H. Hart Sr., of Rotterdam, New York, died on
Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, William H. Hart Sr. was born to the late William C. and
Doris E. (Comstock) Hart on January 19, 1945, in Saranac Lake, New York;
after he and his family moved to Schenectady, New York, he attended
local schools and graduated from Schenectady County Community College;
and

WHEREAS, In June of 1964, William H. Hart Sr. joined the United
States Army where he proudly served his country as a combat medic for
eight years; he completed two tours of duty in Germany, one in San
Francisco, and from 1967-1968, he was stationed in Vietnam; for his
meritorious service, he was the recipient of a Bronze Star with a "V"
device for heroism; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military duties, William H. Hart
Sr. returned to his hometown and was employed as a nurse at General
Electric; after attending a class at his alma mater, he changed careers
and worked and played as Snappy the Clown for 11 years; and

WHEREAS, In this role, William H. Hart Sr. entertained thousands of
children with his antics and balloon creations; he helped found
Clowns-on-Rounds, and traveled to Russia where he brought laughter to
children at local hospitals and orphanages; he also fulfilled a dream by
performing with the Moscow Circus; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to bringing
joy to each and every person he met, William H. Hart Sr. was named the
2001 International Clown of the Year by Clowns of America International;
and

WHEREAS, In 2000, William H. Hart Sr. once again changed his career
path and started to work at Southwest Airlines where he served for many
years; in his much deserved retirement, he became an active member of
AMVETS, Post 35 and DAV where he devoted his time and energy to helping
his fellow veterans obtain their due benefits; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his sister Cheryl, and his
brother Charles, William H. Hart Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of
52 years, the former Kathleen Mac Donald; daughter, Cheryl (William)
Zatt; one son, William Hart, Jr.; four grandchildren, Emily, Zachary,
Sarah and Caitlin; one sister, Judy Gemmett; and one daughter-in-law,

Vicki Hart; as well as several nieces, nephews and numerous friends who
will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Through his boundless energy and profound words of wisdom,
William H. Hart Sr.'s legacy of true grace and infinite selflessness and
kindness, will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his shining light and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love
and hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an
amazing and dynamic man; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life of William H. Hart Sr., distinguished veteran,
devoted family man, and pillar in his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William H. Hart Sr.