LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Frederick and Joy Richardson upon
the occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 30,
2014

WHEREAS, Frederick and Joy Richardson were united in marriage on May 30,
1964, at Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, Auburn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to congratulate Frederick
and Joy Richardson upon the occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding
Anniversary; a reception will be held in their honor on Saturday, May
31, 2014, at the Holiday Inn, Auburn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This civic-minded couple has lived and continue to live their
lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep
and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so doing,
they have inspired others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Frederick Nathaniel Richardson was born in Auburn to Walter
Burton Richardson and Gertrude Ann Jones Richardson, one of nine chil-
dren; the Richardson Family has resided in Auburn since 1870 when Jacob
Richardson, a former slave, moved to the area from Richmond, Virginia,
after the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, Frederick Richardson graduated from West High School in 1961,
and has enjoyed a varied professional career, including more than 20
years of progressive experience at the Booker T. Washington Community
Center in Auburn; he retired as Superintendent of Cayuga Correctional
Facility, Moravia, New York, in 1992 after nearly 30 years of service
within the New York State Department of Corrections; and
WHEREAS, Proud of his heritage, Frederick Richardson has been actively
engaged in civic and community activities throughout his worthy life; he
has served on the boards of directors of many organizations, including
Booker T. Washington Community Center, United Way, YMCA, Cayuga Bank,
Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, and many more; he is currently the
Chairman of the City of Auburn Human Rights Board, and the Chairperson
of the Board of Trustees of Cayuga Centers; and
WHEREAS, Joy Marie Amos Richardson was born in New York City, and
raised in Syracuse and Auburn; the daughter of George Amos and Gertrude
Dawson Amos Johnson, she graduated from Central High School in 1961; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Aunt Joy" by many, Joy Richardson
worked at the Booker T. Washington Community Center for many years as a
pre-school teacher and recreation leader; and
WHEREAS, Frederick and Joy Richardson are and always have been a tower
of strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and
WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of one daughter, Dawn Marie Rich-
ardson, and a son, Buddy Hardeman, and the loving grandparents of one
granddaughter, Lana; and
WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness
to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and
WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work
and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and
WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Frederick and Joy Richardson have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and

WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a mile-
stone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occa-
sion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be
memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Frederick and Joy Richardson upon the occasion of their
50th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frederick and Joy Richardson.