Senate Resolution No. 4862

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Robert J. Cordani 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, 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 commend Robert J.
Cordani 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

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, Robert "Bob" J. Cordani was born on December 17, 1955, to
the late Arthur and Evelyn Aguda Cordani in the Bronx, New York; after
moving to Wurtsboro, New York, he joined the Wurtsboro Fire Department;
upon his retirement from the Department after many years of service, he
was made an active honorary member; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a firefighter, Robert J. Cordani
worked as a court officer for the Mamakating Town Court, and was an
active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ellenville Elks, Haven
Hunting Club, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Mamakating First Aid
Squad; and

WHEREAS, For his entire life, Robert J. Cordani has donated his time
and energy to helping others; on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the age of
62, he made the ultimate sacrifice while coming to the aid of his
neighbor; and

WHEREAS, At approximately 6:00 p.m., Robert J. Cordani responded to
a medical call for a neighbor suffering from cardiac arrest in Wurtsboro
Hills; upon arrival, he immediately began to perform CPR on the victim;
tragically, he collapsed from cardiac arrest of his own during the
procedure; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Cordani is survived by his wife, Alma; one
brother, Arthur (Adrienne) Cordani; one sister-in-law, Lynda Mona
Cordani; two nephews, Chris (Beth) Cordani and Anthony (Kara) Cordani;
one niece, Traci Lynn (David) Noviski; one great nephew, Daniel; one
great niece, Juliana; his mother-in-law, Pilar Amante; and numerous

friends, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and first responders
who will long treasure his memory; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Cordani should be regarded as a true hero; he
continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; he demonstrated his true character
and genuine compassion for the well-being of others; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Robert J.
Cordani was one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert J. Cordani 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 Robert J. Cordani.