LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ernest E. Kohnert upon the occa-
sion of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Ernest E. Kohnert, of Glenfield, New York, was born on April
2, 1914; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in congratulating
Ernest E. Kohnert upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday;
this remarkable milestone will be marked with an open house and cele-
bration at the Glenfield Fire Hall, on Saturday, April 5, 2014, and a
second celebration at the home of his son and daughter-in-law; and
WHEREAS, A native of New Jersey, Ernest Kohnert moved to the Glenfield
area, in Utica, New York, in 1966, with his wife of nearly 70 years,
Dorothea; they are the proud parents of five children: Ruth Ann, Kerry,
Christine, Kathy, and Karl; and the adoring grandparents of eight grand-
children, three step-grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, After proudly serving his country during World War II as a
civilian employee at a United States Air Force base in Nome, Alaska,
Ernest Kohnert traveled around the country with his wife, visiting and
working in many locales; he also spent time as a boxer and wrestler,
earning the nickname King Kong Kohnert; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Always physically active, Ernest Kohnert is a life member of
the Rome YMCA, having begun his association with the Y as a 14-year-old
in Hoboken, New Jersey; he is passionate about handball and racquetball
and played both regularly until age 92; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ernest E. Kohnert upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ernest E. Kohnert.