Senate Resolution No. 2684

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Richard Willie Fennoff 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Richard
Willie Fennoff 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 presented at the Columbia
County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Monday, June 26, 2017; 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, Richard Willie Fennoff was born on March 28, 1935 to Willie
and Gladys Fennoff; a graduate of Hudson High School, he worked in the
produce department at the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company; and

WHEREAS, On May 19, 1954, Richard Willie Fennoff enlisted in the
United States Navy and completed his training as Radioman Class "A" at
the USN Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland; he was then assigned to
the United States Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Richard Willie Fennoff proudly served his country as a
Radioman 2nd Class for the USS Taconic (AGC-17), a command ship in the
Atlantic Fleet; after completing his tour of duty, he was honorably
discharged from active duty on May 14, 1958, and assigned to the Third
Naval District, New York, as a reservist, where he served until May 18,
1962; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Korean War, Richard
Willie Fennoff was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the
Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Richard Willie Fennoff married Eleanor Wheeler on June 7,
1957, in Hudson, New York; he then went to work as a draftsman and upon
retirement, he worked as a driver for a health care consortium; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Richard Willie Fennoff was an
active member of numerous organizations including Boy Scouts, Ghent
Little League, Ghent 4-H, the Hudson Whalers Pop Warner and a
communicant of West Ghent Reformed Church; and


WHEREAS, Richard Willie Fennoff died on September 20, 2007, at the
age of 72; he is survived by his wife, Eleanor, their two children, Ron
and Lori, and four 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Richard Willie Fennoff demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, 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 Richard Willie Fennoff 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; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard Willie Fennoff.