LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Wilson Shea posthumously upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Wilson Shea
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate, to be celebrated on Monday, May 18, 2015, in Columbia
County; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 and is awarded to individuals who have merited
special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on
behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 6, 1919, in Hudson, New York, Wilson "Harpie"
Shea graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in Hudson; and
WHEREAS, Wilson Shea began serving his country proudly as a member of
the United States Navy on November 23, 1942, on the USS White Plains
during World War II; in 1945, he was honorably discharged after serving
more than 2 years of active service; and
WHEREAS, This brave soldier was the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades for his exceptional military service including the Presiden-
tial Unit Citation Ribbon, Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, and
the Good Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, After his military service, Wilson Shea came home and
returned to his place of employment, which he left to serve his country,
at V&O Press; he then retired after 47 years of distinguished service;
and
WHEREAS, Wilson Shea died on September 24, 2014, at the age of 95;
predeceased by his wife, the former Mary Ann Fallarino, Wilson Shea is
survived by one niece, and one nephew; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Wilson Shea demonstrated his love for his country and merits forever-
more, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wilson Shea posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Wilson Shea.