Senate Resolution No. 769

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr.,
beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend

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, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., of Stony Point, New York, died
on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 15; he exemplified
outstanding community service and dedicated his life to his family,
friends, and fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, The youngest of five children, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr.,
lovingly known as "Kenny J.," was born on February 18, 2010; he was a
student at North Rockland High School; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., had a special bond with his
mother and a close relationship with his three brothers, each bond
unique; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., was an amazing Christian young
man who loved his family, friends, and video games; and

WHEREAS, Fifteen-year-old Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., was an
aspiring firefighter and volunteer as well as a member of the Rockland
County Fire Explorer Post 44; members of the Rockland County Fire and
Emergency Services have said that he exhibited a real passion for
serving his community; the Thiells Fire Department posthumously honored
him, naming him an honorary firefighter; and

WHEREAS, Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services posted a
tribute to Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., stating that his passion for the
fire service, eagerness to learn, and unwavering commitment to serving
his community were evident in all that he did, and he truly embodied the
values of courage, dedication, and brotherhood that define the
firefighting program; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., is survived by his father,
Kenneth Bermudez, Sr.; mother, Bernadette Perez; brothers, Frank Perna
III, Joseph Perez, and Daniel Patafio; grandfather, Luis Bermudez, and
grandmother, Annette Acosta; grandmother, Bertha Perez; aunts, Heather
McGovern (Sean), Nilda Melendez (Vito), and Maria Padilla (Berto);
uncles, Mike Perez (Leah), William Melendez, and Ray Melendez and Aunt
Rosa Bermudez; many beloved cousins from New York, Florida, Delaware,
and South Carolina; best friends, Charlie and Gunner; and many other
close friends; he was predeceased by his sister, Karissa; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., is so cherished; he will be
missed tremendously by all who were blessed to know him, and there will
be an eternal emptiness; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., and express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

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