Senate Resolution No. 833

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of William Bennett Braatz,
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 the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, William Bennett Braatz died on March 11, 2025, at the age
of 94; and

WHEREAS, Born on June 21, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, William
Bennett Braatz was the only son of William Otto Braatz and Florence
Ploof; and

WHEREAS, William Bennett Braatz graduated from Mount Vernon High
School in Mount Vernon, New York in 1948, served in the U.S. Army from
1952 to 1954, earned a Bachelor's of Science from the State University
of New York Teacher's College at Cortland, New York in 1952, and a Juris
Doctorate degree from the Syracuse University School of Law in 1958; and

WHEREAS, Practicing law for over twenty years in Carmel and Cold
Springs, New York, William Bennett Braatz distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of the legal profession, William Bennett
Braatz displayed his commitment to his community by serving as a Village
Justice for the Village of Cold Springs, Philipstown Town Justice,
President of the Putnam County Bar Association, President of the Haldane
Central School District P.T.A., Secretary-Treasurer of the Putnam County
Legal Aid Society, and he was elected County Court Judge in Putnam
County, New York in 1982, where he served until his retirement in 1999;
and

WHEREAS, William Bennett Braatz further showed his enthusiasm for
the community by being a member of the Cold Spring Fire Company, the
Philipstown Masonic Lodge, the George A. Casey Post of the American
Legion and the Cold Spring Lions Club; and

WHEREAS, William Bennett Braatz's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, William Bennett Braatz is predeceased by his sister, June
Petersen, and his granddaughter, Brenna Engle; he is survived by his
wife Joyce Christensen; his four children, Janet Braatz, Donna Engle,
John Braatz and Jean Braatz; and his four grandchildren, Taryn,
Christopher, Julian, Joseph; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William Bennett Braatz 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 William Bennett Braatz, 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 William Bennett Braatz.