Senate Resolution No. 1566

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Jaroslaw Lyktey upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Jaroslaw Lyktey upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday
celebrated on Dec. 29, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Jaroslaw "Jerry" Lyktey was born on Dec. 29, 1925, in the
Ukrainian village of Trostyanets; he grew up under shifting regimes,
first Polish, then Soviet, and later German occupation during World War
II; and

WHEREAS, Discovering a love for languages and education, Jaroslaw
Lyktey, who was fluent in Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, German, and
English, became a devoted educator; and

WHEREAS, After World War II, Jaroslaw Lyktey spent time in Germany
at a displaced persons camp and worked with the U.S. Army; and

WHEREAS, In 1949, Jaroslaw Lyktey immigrated to America to join his
uncle's grocery store in Utica, New York and soon pursued higher
education; and

WHEREAS, Jaroslaw Lyktey taught English for more than 30 years in
local schools, including New York Mills, Utica University, and Herkimer
College; and

WHEREAS, With a vigorous passion for teaching, Jaroslaw Lyktey has
educated and inspired generations of citizens in Central New York; and

WHEREAS, Jaroslaw Lyktey, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Jaroslaw Lyktey has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the profound
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, Fostering a deep connection with his Ukrainian heritage,
Jaroslaw Lyktey helped establish a Ukrainian church in Utica, which
became a hub for the community; the church was central not only for
celebrating religious and cultural traditions, but also for nurturing a
sense of pride and togetherness among Ukrainians, many of whom had
similar shared experiences; and


WHEREAS, Family remains at the center of Jaroslaw Lyktey's life; he
and his wife, Jean, have four children and eight grandchildren, all
educated and maintaining ties to Ukrainian culture; and

WHEREAS, Even at 100 years old, Jaroslaw Lyktey stays active by
gardening, reading, following Ukrainian news, and sharing his wisdom
with his family; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Jaroslaw Lyktey upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jaroslaw Lyktey.