Assembly Resolution No. 1230

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who have reached the remarkable
milestone of 100 years of age, whose longevity and accomplishments are a
testament to their strength, character, and enduring contributions to
their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth, to be celebrated on May
15, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Charles Muth was born on May 15, 1926, on his family's farm
on Happy Valley Road in Verona, New York, the son of Charles A. and Emma
(VanDeWalker) Muth; and

WHEREAS, Raised on the family farm known as Floral Hill, Charles
Muth developed a strong work ethic at an early age, walking to school as
a child and later riding a bicycle into Rome to work at a local canning
factory, while continuing to assist his father with the dairy farm; and

WHEREAS, Floral Hill Farm, named for the vibrant gladiola flowers
once grown and sold there, became a symbol of hard work and community
connection, and Charles Muth continues that tradition today by growing
flowers to share with his local Lutheran Church; and

WHEREAS, On June 11, 1949, Charles Muth met the love of his life,
Alice A. Secor, at a Girl Scout party; their meeting sparked a lifelong
partnership, and they were united in marriage on December 11, 1949,
building a loving family together and raising five children; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated farmer, Charles Muth managed the demanding
responsibilities of milking approximately 80 cows while also serving his
community as the driver of School Bus No. 2; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his agricultural excellence, he was
honored as "Hay King" at the New York State Fair in the early 1950s; and

WHEREAS, Charles Muth was an active and engaged member of his
community, serving as Treasurer for the Oneida Madison Co-op and as a
Town Councilman for the Town of Verona for eight years; and

WHEREAS, A longtime member of the Farm Bureau, he remains among its
oldest members and even participated in international travel with the
organization, including a memorable trip to Spain; and

WHEREAS, Alongside his many responsibilities, Charles Muth found
time to enjoy life's simple pleasures, including bowling with friends
and vacations at Brantingham Lake, demonstrating a lifelong balance of
work, family, and fellowship; and

WHEREAS, After selling the family farm, Charles and his beloved wife
Alice continued to build their life together, becoming seasonal
residents in Florida until her health declined; he remained devoted to
her care throughout her illness until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Even after experiencing a mild stroke in 2024, Charles Muth
has remained active and independent, attending church weekly, playing
bingo regularly, maintaining his household, and continuing to drive; and

WHEREAS, Today, he is lovingly cared for by his eldest daughter,
reflecting the strong family bonds he helped cultivate throughout his
life; and

WHEREAS, Having lived through a century of profound change, Charles
Muth stands as a living witness to history and a model of resilience,
dedication, and service; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of such enduring character and achievement, whose lives enrich
the fabric of their communities and the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth, celebrating a century of
life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and service to community;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Charles Muth.