Senate Resolution No. 3248

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Abbott Lansing Wiley 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Abbott
Lansing Wiley 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
Rensselaer County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony; 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 December 18, 1916, in Pittstown, New York, Abbott
L. Wiley was the son of the late Leonard J. and Alice (Sherman) Wiley;
he attended the local district school and was a graduate of Lansingburgh
High School; and

WHEREAS, Abbott L. Wiley attended the SUNY College of Agriculture
and Technology at Cobleskill for one year, before enlisting in the
United States Army on October 1, 1942; after basic training, he was
recommended to attend Officer Candidate School, was commissioned as a
Second Lieutenant, and sent to North Africa and Italy as part of the
Fifth Army; and

WHEREAS, Promoted to Captain and Battery Commander of the 347th
Field Artillery Battalion of the 91st Infantry Division, Abbott L. Wiley
saw combat during Operation Italia in nine Italian cities and
surrounding areas, earning three Battle Stars; and

WHEREAS, Abbott L. Wiley and the former Ruth Olney were united in
marriage on October 20, 1945, in Watervliet, New York; and

WHEREAS, Honorably discharged on February 6, 1946, Abbott L. Wiley
earned the rank of Major and was issued a Bronze Star for his valor in
combat while under enemy fire; he was also awarded the European African
Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Battles Stars, the American
Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning home at the end of the war, Abbott L. Wiley,
along with his brother, purchased a local business in Valley Falls, New

York, and established Wiley Brothers Inc., a family run lumber and home
hardware supply company; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Abbott L. Wiley was active
in local politics, serving as the Town of Pittstown Supervisor, a
Rensselaer County Legislator and a trustee of Hudson Valley Community
College; he was also a member of Valley Falls Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Abbott L. Wiley enjoyed hunting and
fishing, and held memberships in several sportsmen's clubs, including
the Powamppokonk Rod and Gun Club in Pittstown; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 2002, Abbott L. Wiley enjoyed
his hobbies of gardening, traveling, wood working and hunting; and

WHEREAS, Abbott L. Wiley died peacefully at his residence on August
18, 2017, with his loving wife and family by his side; he was 100 years
old; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife of 71 years, Abbott L. Wiley is
survived by his children, Lynn (Dennis), Carol and William (Sharon);
seven grandchildren, Mark, Jennifer, William (Melissa), Andrew, Melanie
(Kevin), Marina and Bryan; four great-grandchildren, Alexander,
Madeline, Johan and Mia; and several nieces and nephews; he was
predeceased by three brothers, Newton, Harold and Charles; and a sister,
Ellen; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Abbott L. Wiley 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 Abbott Lansing Wiley 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 Abbott Lansing Wiley.