Senate Resolution No. 79

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Gerald J. O'Brien posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran
Ceremony on January 9, 2017

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
Gerald J. O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Rensselaer
County Office Building's Hall of Heroes, Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born May 24, 1934, in Troy, New York, Gerald J. O'Brien was
born to Joseph and Margaret (Hickey) O'Brien; he attended Saint
Augustine's School, Catholic Central High School, and Hudson Valley
Community College in Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien served his country as a member of the
United States Navy as a Seabee during the Korean War from 1953 through
1955; his exceptional service earned him the National Defense Service
Medal; and

WHEREAS, After returning home from his assignment, Gerald J. O'Brien
started working full-time with Niagara Mohawk as a meter reader, and
retired after 42 years as a Supervisor in the Gas Department; and

WHEREAS, A faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, New
York, Gerald J. O'Brien served in many ministries; he also volunteered
with Community Hospice for more than 20 years, and served as a
Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary's Hospital in Troy; and

WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien's favorite pastimes were reading,
kayaking, and golfing; he enjoyed winters in Florida with his wife of 58
years, Barbara, and loved traveling with his family, especially to the
sea and Gloucester, his special place; and

WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien died on Monday, May 9, 2016, at the age
of 81; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his son, Troy Police Sergeant James O'Brien,
Gerald J. O'Brien was a loving and caring husband to his wife, Barbara
(Kelly) O'Brien, and a caring father to Susan Wyld, Kathleen, Sharon
Vest, Maureen Pace and Sally, and his four grandchildren, Casey, Aileen,
Kelly and Michael; 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,
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 Gerald J. O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on January 9, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Gerald J. O'Brien.