LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Eddie Monroe, retired Lieu-
tenant Colonel in the United States Army

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, Eddie "Ed" Monroe of Freeport, New York, died on Wednesday,
May 30, 2012, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Ed Monroe earned his
Bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College in 1954 which was the
same year he left for the Army; he would fly in combat missions in Korea
and Vietnam retiring as a master combat pilot; and
WHEREAS, Ed Monroe earned a master's degree in science education from
Hofstra University and a master's degree in education from Columbia
University in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Retiring from the United States Army in 1976, Ed Monroe moved
to Freeport that year and ran for the school board, becoming its first
African-American member in 1977; and
WHEREAS, Ed Monroe distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and
WHEREAS, A great leader, Ed Monroe was Past President of Claude B.
Govan Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, a retired administrator at both
Nassau Community College and the Teachers College at Columbia Universi-
ty, a former proprietor of Ed's Plumbing Services and Environmental
Engineering Associates; in addition, he was a Rotarian and a member of
the 100 Black Men; and
WHEREAS, Most recently receiving the National Ethnic Coalition of
Organizations Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Ed Monroe's commitment to
excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of
enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Ed Monroe is survived by his wife, Betty, his children, Pame-
la, Marilyn, and Eddie, Jr., his five grandchildren, his great-grand-
child, and two brothers, James and Carl; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, his life was a portrait of
service, 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 Eddie Monroe, retired Lieutenant Colonel in the
United States Army; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Eddie Monroe.