LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Richard M. Pedro, distin-
guished 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, Richard M. Pedro died on Friday, January 10, 2014, at the age
of 87; and
WHEREAS, He was a lifelong resident of Owego, New York, and the son of
the late Michael and Florence Pedro; and
WHEREAS, Richard M. Pedro served during World War II in the United
States Navy from May 24, 1944, until October 30, 1947 which includes 22
months sea duty aboard the USS Weiss and was honorably discharged; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the United States Navy, Mr. Pedro
joined The American Legion and Tioga Post No. 401 in Owego, New York; he
was an active member for 65 continuous years and was honored with an
Honorary Life Membership in 1964; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pedro served as a leader in The American Legion at the
local, state and national levels; he served as Commander of the American
Legion Department of New York and for 29 years, he served as Adjutant of
The American Legion Department of New York; he was honored at the 94th
American Legion National Convention in 2012 by the delegates, who unan-
imously voted to bestow on him the honorary title of Past National
Commander, joining legendary New Yorkers Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and
long-time U.S. Representative Hamilton Fish in receiving this rare
honor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pedro remained true to the goals and ideals of the Pream-
ble of the American Legion Constitution by his service to God and coun-
try and devotion to mutual helpfulness by service; and
WHEREAS, Richard Pedro retired from IBM after 33 years of service; he
served his community as Communicant and Lay-lector of St. Patrick's
Church, Owego, New York; member of the Tioga County Historical Society;
life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; life member of the Elks
Lodge #1039; President of the Tioga County Christmas League; and member
and Past Board President of the New York State Veterans' Home in Oxford,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pedro is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne M. Pedro,
with whom he shared 61 years of marriage; a daughter, Debra A. Hackett;
a son, Richard JM Pedro; seven grandchildren, Jacquelyn M., Nicole L.,
Taylor A., and James B. Hackett, John M., Richard D., and Christopher
M. Pedro; a sister-in-law, Darlene Salata; and several nieces and neph-
ews; and he was predeceased by brother and sister-in-law, Charles and
Jean Pedro, sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Donald Whitney, and
brother-in-law, John Salata; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard M. Pedro 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 Richard M. Pedro, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Richard M. Pedro.