Senate Resolution No. 5357

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING The Honorable Richard V. Defone upon
the occasion of his retirement after eight years of
distinguished service to the Village of Lowville

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those singular individuals who devote their purposeful
lives and careers to preserving the rights and protecting the welfare of
the citizens of their community and the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Lowville community
has been ably served and uniquely enriched through the selfless
dedication and benevolent concern of Judge Richard V. Defone; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The
Honorable Richard V. Defone upon the occasion of his retirement after
eight years of distinguished service to the Village of Lowville; and

WHEREAS, Richard V. Defone was born to Ruth and Adrian V. Defone on
March 23, 1947, in Lowville, New York, where he graduated from Lowville
Academy in 1965; he later earned his associate's degree from Corning
Community College in 1989; and

WHEREAS, On February 14, 1968, Richard V. Defone married the former
Cheryl Staie, and together, the couple raised two children in Lowville;
and

WHEREAS, From 1968-1986, Richard V. Defone worked for Georgia
Pacific, and for the next 20 years, he was employed with Fort Drum; from
2007-2012, he worked for Jefferson Community College; and

WHEREAS, Richard V. Defone was elected to the title of Judge of the
Village of Lowville in 2010, a position he would hold for eight years
until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Judge, Richard V. Defone has
served his hometown as a member of the Lowville Fire Department since
1983; for the last 23 years, he has held the title of Haz Mat
Coordinator, and Fire Coordinator since 1992; and

WHEREAS, Richard V. Defone is also a vital member of the American
Legion and a Life Member of the VFW; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Cheryl; their two
children, Richard (Laurie) and Lisa (Marcus); and their four
grandchildren, Michael, Jordan, Alexander and Nicholas, all of whom have
shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Lowville Village Court Justice, Richard
V. Defone served with loyalty, honor and distinction, was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in
his official acts; and

WHEREAS, Judge Richard V. Defone was known among his colleagues and
in his community to be fair and scrupulously conscientious, having the
utmost respect for the position he held; and

WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens he has served in
the community of the State of New York, Judge Richard V. Defone's life
and career are a portrait of preeminence in public service, and present
a role model for all who aspire to a career in public service; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Honorable Richard V. Defone upon the occasion of his
retirement after eight years of distinguished service to the Village of
Lowville, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Richard V. Defone.