Assembly Resolution No. 843

BY: M. of A. Norris

MOURNING the death of Herbert C. Loesch, Jr.,
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 this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., of Barker, New York, died on
Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the age of 95; and

WHEREAS, On January 12, 1929, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., was born to
Herbert C. Loesch, Sr., and Dorothy C. Loesch; a graduate of Barker
Central School in 1946, he continued his education at Alfred University,
obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in
Chemistry; and

WHEREAS, After additional training, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., joined
the United States Army and served his country as a medical technician in
Korea from 1952-1954, obtaining the rank of Sergeant T-12 1st Class;
after his discharge, he was employed by Harrison Radiator Division of
General Motors as a Senior Industrial Engineer/Cost Estimator until he
retired in 1989; and

WHEREAS, Extremely active in his community, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr.,
served on the Barker Central School Board of Education for 10 years and
on the Niagara-Orleans BOCES Board for 11 years; he was a member of
Faith United Methodist Church, serving as Trustee and Building Fund
Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., held membership in the Somerset
Masonic Lodge No. 639, serving as Treasurer; since 1954, he was a Life
Member of the American Legion Post No. 425; he joined the VFW-Newfane
Chapter and was a Charter Member of Western New York Gas & Steam Club
for 40 years; during his membership with the Western New York
Two-Cylinder Club, he fulfilled his duties as Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, An active member of the Somerset Historical Society,
Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., was influential in documenting and labeling the
Society's Babcock House Barn inventory; other memberships included the
Academy of Model Aeronautics, the local Truck Club, and the Military
Vehicle Preservation Association; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., enjoyed
attending auctions, participating in sportsmen's activities, bird
watching, and music, singing with a powerful bass voice in his church's
choir; with an interest in restoring his World War II Willys Jeep, he
would take his treasure to local parades and car shows; and

WHEREAS, Mowing his large lawn and growing gladiolas were two
favorite activities Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., relished; other pastimes

included caning chairs, building model airplanes, and collecting any
item that pertained to Jeeps, amassing more than 1,000 toy replicas; and

WHEREAS, One achievement of which Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., was
immensely proud is Barker Central School's Military History Museum that
he founded and maintained; the purpose of the exhibition is to keep the
nation's military history alive, encouraging young people to pursue
military careers; and

WHEREAS, At Medina Hospital, on December 18, 2023, Herbert C.
Loesch, Jr., was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall
of Fame, Class of 2023; and

WHEREAS, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., is survived by his son, Terry H.
Loesch; daughter, Tracy (Mark) Stevenson; cousin, Robert (Pat) Loesch,
and family; niece, Leslie (Paul) Fuzak, and children, Ellie and Zak;
life partner, Grace Bodine, and her children, Julie (Jim) Hoy and Bill
(Carrie) Bodine; her grandchildren, Brooke (John) Kieffer and Courtney
Bodine (Devan Mangan); and her great-grandchildren, Jaycee Kieffer and
Julia Kieffer; he is predeceased by his nephew, Joel Molyneaux; he is
survived by Joel Molyneaux's wife, Lynda, and family; and many other
family members; he is also predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy
K. Loesch (2002); and

WHEREAS, To many, Herbert C. Loesch, Jr., is revered as an amazing
husband, father, partner, honorary grandfather, friend, mentor,
serviceman, handyman, and community supporter and will be deeply missed
by everyone who was fortunate to know him; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Herbert C. Loesch, 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 Herbert C. Loesch, 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 Herbert C. Loesch, Jr.