Senate Resolution No. 288

BY: Senator HINCHEY

MOURNING the death of John Synan, local legend,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, 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 faith and dedication whose steadfast commitment to his
community and undying love for his neighbor will forever stand as a
paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as John Synan who upheld the values of
community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the best
of humanity; and

WHEREAS, John Synan, affectionately known throughout his beloved
Town of Woodstock, New York, as Jogger John, died on Saturday, November
26, 2022; and

WHEREAS, John Joseph Synan was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised
in Amityville, Long Island to a large family with eight brothers and
sisters; and

WHEREAS, An ace in school with a genius-level IQ, John Synan became
a technical illustrator for NASA, inking the drawings of the lunar
module before proudly serving as a member of the United States Air Force
during the Vietnam era; and

WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge, John Synan came to the
Woodstock Festival in 1969, visited the town, and returned again and
again, eventually making Woodstock his permanent home after riding north
from New York City on a bicycle; and

WHERERAS, A true local legend who made his rounds daily through town
doing odd jobs for his adored fellow Woodstockers, John Synan could be
seen daily jogging the area's roads, trails and hills, a free spirit
roaming in his own unique world without boundaries; and

WHEREAS, In a documentary by Kaleigh Griffin, "First Name: Jogger
Last Name: John," the remarkable life of this extraordinary man was
poignantly captured over a three month period before it was screened at
the 2013 Woodstock Film Festival where John Synan received a
well-deserved standing ovation from his hometown crowd; and

WHEREAS, A sweet, gentle and profound man who was sincerely loved by
all, the passing of John Synan marks the end of the greatest era
Woodstock, New York, has and will ever know; and

WHEREAS, John Synan's infinite selflessness and magical spirit will
shine on through the vivid and happy memories he has instilled
throughout the community he so much adored; his insight and strength
will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless
lives he touched; and


WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John Synan leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were
privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John Synan, and to express its deepest condolences to
his family, friends and the Woodstock community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John Synan.