Senate Resolution No. 528

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Robert Spatta, renowned
firefighter, 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, This Legislative Body is moved to mourn the death of Robert
Spatta of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, who died on Sunday, February 14,
2021, at the age of 76; and

WHEREAS, Robert Spatta was born on September 2, 1944, to John and
Clara Spatta in Yonkers, New York; and

WHEREAS, Robert Spatta joined the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department
(CFD), Washington Engine Company No. 2 in 1984, and quickly became a
staple; he was affectionately known by his brothers in the firehouse as
Duke, Big Bob, or Uncle Bob; and

WHEREAS, An active member of the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department
for 36 years, Robert Spatta served as a past Captain and Honorary
ex-Chief of Washington Engine Company No. 2 and as a former Warden of
the Fire Council, as well as numerous other leadership positions; and

WHEREAS, As one of the founding Firefighter Assist and Search Team
(FASTeam) members, Robert Spatta was instrumental in a rescue effort in
Ossining in 1999; during the massive blaze, this courageous man helped
rescue multiple civilians, including his own son and two fellow
firefighters, before having to be rescued himself when he became trapped
in a top floor apartment; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in the days following the terrorist attacks of
the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Robert Spatta, along with
his sons and other CFD members, assisted with efforts to locate victims
at the site of Ground Zero; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Robert Spatta was also a
member of the Ossining Volunteer Fire Department and an honorary member
of the Mohegan Fire District; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his valuable fire service, Robert Spatta
proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps
during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, In a career which traversed more than three decades, Robert
Spatta gave tirelessly of his time and energies working for the
Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities; and

WHEREAS, Robert Spatta genuinely loved being a firefighter, and
through his strong work ethic, great courage and positive attitude, he
inspired numerous fellow firefighters; and


WHEREAS, In his free time, Robert Spatta enjoyed being a member of
the Lakers Social and Athletic Club of Yonkers; while he was passionate
about many things, above all his greatest passion was family time,
vacations and spending Sunday dinners with all of his children and
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, John and Clara, and his
brother, Warren, Robert Spatta is survived by his wife, Ginny; three
children, Kristie (Doug), Dan (Rina) and John (Cynthia); nine
grandchildren, Lanie, Vinny, Dan, Dominic, Antonio, Sebastian,
Salvatore, Sergio and Stella; and his two sisters, Virginia and Karen;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Robert Spatta touched many
through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the
loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the
enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert Spatta, renowned firefighter, 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 Spatta.