LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph Edward Vigeant II 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

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 Joseph Edward
Vigeant II posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by
the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution 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 September 7, 1926 in Hudson, New York, Joseph Edward
Vigeant II was the son of the late Clarence H. Vigeant and Marie O'Grady
McDermott, and the stepson of the late Leo J. McDermott; he was educated
in Troy and lived in Wynantskill for many years; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Edward Vigeant II was a World War II veteran of the
United States Naval Corps, surviving an aircraft ditching in the North
Atlantic and several days in a life raft; after coming ashore in
Ireland, he was subsequently stationed at various locations in both the
European and Pacific Theaters and China; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of the war, Joseph Edward Vigeant II
honorably served in the Naval Reserves for 40 years, retiring in 1986;
and
WHEREAS, In 1947, Joseph Edward Vigeant II founded the Troy Neon Sign
Co., and was President of the company until his retirement in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Edward Vigeant II married the former Dorothy Aspland
on November 27, 1949, at St. Patrick's Church in Troy, New York, and
together they raised four children; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community, Joseph Edward Vigeant II was a
member of the Sea Squatters Club, the Fleet Reserves of Bradenton, the
American Ex-POWs of Bradenton, Troy Elks Lodge, Troy Ancient Order of
Hibernians, Perida Homeowners Association of Bradenton, the Flying
Knights, Tri-County Banjo Band, and American Legion Post 1989; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he was a life member of the Emerald Athletic
Club, a member of the Troy Boys Club Hall of Fame and a member of the
First Reformed Church of Wynantskill; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Edward Vigeant II died on Thursday, April 30, 1992, at
the age of 65; he is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters,
Babette and Judith; two sons, Joseph Edward III and William; nine grand-
children, Jennifer (Patrick), Allison (Jason), Joseph Edward IV, Amy
(Steven), William, Dana, Hailey, Kate and Lauren; and five great-grand-
children, Mikala, Meara, Mason, Avery and Jace; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Joseph Edward Vigeant II displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Joseph Edward Vigeant II demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserved 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 Joseph Edward Vigeant II posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as a recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Joseph Edward Vigeant II.