LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ralph Vartigian posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County
at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on September 12, 2016

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ralph Vartigian posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony
on Monday, September 12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Ralph Vartigian will be recognized at this year's September Honor-A-Vet-
eran Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Vartigian was born to Sarkis Vartigian and the former
Alice Postonian in Watervliet, New York; he attended P. S. No. 9, and
graduated from Watervliet High School in 1944; and
WHEREAS, At the young age of 17, Ralph Vartigian enlisted in the
United States Navy; for two years, he proudly served his country as a
Radioman Third Class aboard the Carrier, USS Hornet and LST 1089 during
World War II; and
WHEREAS, After being honorably discharged in July of 1946, Ralph
Vartigian attended Siena College, Loudonville, New York, for three
semesters; he later attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in
New York City alongside Grace Kelly, Anne Bancroft, Gena Rowlands and
John Cassevetes; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Vartigian made several Signal Corps films and did one
season of Summer Stock at Skowhegan, Maine; in 1951, he began his career
in broadcasting at radio station WSNY in Schenectady, New York; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, he became affiliated with WROW, which later
became WTEN, Channel 10; he was WTEN's first weatherman, working with
Sam Stratton and Geoff Davis; and
WHEREAS, In 1961, Ralph Vartigian appeared as Commander Ralph in the
Nation's first children's news program on a commercial station, entitled
"The Good Ship News"; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Vartigian also produced a special one hour program on
The 100th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address"; he was
the recipient of The Freedom's Foundation Award by Valley Falls, Penn-
sylvania, for bringing about a better understanding of the American way
of life; and
WHEREAS, From 1970-1975, Ralph Vartigian co-hosted "Dialing for
Dollars" with John Stewart; in addition, he co-anchored "Action News at
Noon" with Mary Caroline Powers for 12 years; and
WHEREAS, Promoted to the position of Public Service Director, Ralph
Vartigian anchored "The Morning News" on TV-10 from 1987-1989; he later
served as Editorial Director and won the 1988 and 1989 New York State
Broadcasters Association Award; in addition, he was the recipient of the
Best Editorials Division Award by the Associated Press for a series of
editorials on the need for modernization of the Albany County Airport;
and
WHEREAS, After retiring from broadcasting, Ralph Vartigian embarked on
a civic service career, serving as Rensselaer County Legislator for

three, four-year terms; he continued as Majority Leader until his
retirement from political life at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure in office, Ralph Vartigian was a member
of the Rules Committee and held the title of Chairman of the Veterans
and Youth Committee; he was instrumental in organizing the monthly Rens-
selaer County Honor-A-Vet Program; and
WHEREAS, Along with his dedicated work as a Legislator, Ralph Vartigi-
an was a member of several organizations including the Simonian-Avakian
Veterans Post in Watervliet, North Greenbush School Board, the North
Greenbush Library Board of Directors, the North Greenbush Zoning Board
of Appeals, the Boy Scout Committee, and the Wynantskill Kiwanis; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ralph Vartigian was an active participant of the
PTA and was subsequently awarded Lifetime Membership in the New York
State Congress of Parents and Teachers; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, he was selected by the United States Information
Agency to go to Armenia to conduct a three week workshop on "The Role of
Television Journalism on an Emerging Democracy"; he proudly served as
the President of the Armenian Federation Grounds and was a Trustee of
the Parish Council of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in both Troy
and Watervliet for many years; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Ralph Vartigian was elected to the position of
Diocesan delegate, a role he served for 16 years; he was also a partic-
ipant of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church of America in New
York City; and
WHEREAS, When Ralph Vartigian was not working or volunteering his time
and energy, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching the
Boston Red Sox; and
WHEREAS, A devoted public servant, Ralph Vartigian died on December
12, 2015, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Vartigian is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years,
the former Ann Osganian; one daughter, Deborah; two sons, David and
Daniel; a brother, Paul; two sisters, Sarkine and Lucy; and seven grand-
children, Stephen, Craig, Evan, Danielle, Andrew, Julie, and Timothy; as
well as three great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
.SO DOC S R4379 RESO TEXT 2015
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Ralph Vartigian posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-
Veteran Ceremony on September 12, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Ralph Vartigian.