Senate Resolution No. 224

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Celeste Alma Patton,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
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 endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton of Ossining, New York died on March 16,
2024 at the age of 70; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong Ossining resident, Celeste Alma Patton was born
on March 31, 1953; she was a graduate of Ossining High School;
furthering her education, she received degrees from Berkeley College and
Pace University; and

WHEREAS, Embarking on her career, Celeste Alma Patton started
working for a phone company, then for Hughes Sports Network and NBC
Sports; after marrying her lifelong partner, Joe Clarke, she began her
journey of motherhood and raised three beautiful daughters; and

WHEREAS, Earning her 15 years of service pin, Celeste Alma Patton
was a devoted and beloved Girl Scout troop leader, who shouldered more
than just her own troop responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, Once her children were old enough, Celeste Alma Patton
re-entered the workforce, coordinating for Dominican Sisters Family
Health Services until her retirement; she also began volunteering in her
decade-long position at the St. Augustine Golden Eagles, whose
membership grew to well over 100 seniors strong; she kept them active
and current with organized weekly meetings, chair yoga, luncheons,
Broadway plays, community outreaches, and specialized guest speakers;
and

WHEREAS, Remaining active in the community, Celeste Alma Patton
served as a board member for the Country Inn at Jiminy Peak; for more
than a dozen years, she advocated, encouraged, and negotiated to satisfy
the highest ADA standards; and

WHEREAS, An avid skier, Celeste Alma Patton joined the para-ski
troop and skied using a sled for seven years amongst her many passions;
and

WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton distinguished herself in her profession
and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; and

WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton's commitment to excellence, and her
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton is survived by her husband, Joseph
Clarke, daughters, Kathleen, Maureen, and Eileen, grandchildren, Henry
Clarke Gebhard, Brendan, and Michael O'Reilly, sister, Camille Patton,
her niece Corinne Jackson, her nephew Brandt Hughes, and many cherished
cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Celeste Alma Patton leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Celeste Alma Patton, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Celeste Alma Patton.