LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Begandy upon the occasion of his
selection as the Nassau County 2015 Senior Citizen of the Year by the
New York State Office for the Aging

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Richard Began-
dy upon the occasion of his selection as the Nassau County 2015 Senior
Citizen of the Year by the New York State Office for the Aging at its
Annual Senior Citizens Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the
Hart Theatre Lounge in the Egg, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and
WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape our
Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our freedoms
and values to ensure that those who come after them may have better
lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more visible
and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Rochester, New York, Rich-
ard Begandy moved to Long Island, New York, in 1966; and
WHEREAS, Richard Begandy proudly served his country as a member of the
1st Division Association of the United States Marine Corps; in addition,
he served in the United States Navy from 1954-1958; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge, Richard Begandy held the position of
both Operations/Plant Manager and Warehouse/Traffic Manager; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman has been called upon to contribute
his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A committed volunteer for many years, Richard Begandy has
devoted his life to the veterans of his Massapequa community; since
2004, he has served as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
(VFW) Post 7763, Massapequa Park; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Richard Begandy was instrumental in organizing
the Massapequa Park Veterans and Gold Star Mothers Monument; he oversees
and speaks at annual Korean War Anniversary Ceremonies, as well as
promoting Americanism, especially to today's youth; and
WHEREAS, Richard Begandy proudly honors the service men, women, and
veterans in many ceremonies conducted by local schools, the Village of
Massapequa Park, Town of Oyster Bay, and throughout Nassau County; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man enjoys attending events for veterans and
distributing clothing and personal items to residents of the Northport
Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 30 years, and his
five children, as well as his six grandchildren, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Richard Begandy is truly dedicated to assisting his communi-
ty, the VFW, and all military veterans and their families; his greatest
reward is knowing that he has helped young people by instilling in them
pride in the United States, appreciation for their freedom, and an
understanding for the need to care for all veterans; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Richard Begandy has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Richard Begandy has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Richard Begandy, a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those whom he serves through his
volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experi-
encing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Begandy upon the occasion of being selected as the Nassau
County 2015 Senior Citizen of the Year by the New York State Office for
the Aging; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Begandy.