Senate Resolution No. 2221

BY: Senator METZGER

MOURNING the death of Richard Tanagretta,
long-time Pine Bush/New York City Firefighter, 9/11
first responder and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to mourn the death of
Richard Tanagretta of Pine Bush, New York, who died on Tuesday,
September 24, 2019, at the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, Fondly known to family and friends as Ricky, Richard
Tanagretta was born on November 19, 1953, to Antonio Tanagretta and the
former Mary Pullano, the youngest of four children; and

WHEREAS, Richard Tanagretta distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, For 26 years, Richard Tanagretta worked as a New York City
Firefighter; he also served as an Instructor for the New York State and
Orange County Fire Academies; and

WHEREAS, In addition to serving as one of the "Bravest of the
Brave", Richard Tanagretta was a past Chief of the Pine Bush Volunteer
Fire Department where he was a member for 27 years; he also held the
position of Deputy Fire Coordinator, mentoring generations of first
responders, touching the lives of all those he instructed over the
years; and

WHEREAS, An avid motorcyclist, Richard Tanagretta was a member of
the New York City Fire Riders; as a member, he devoted much of his time
supporting and helping others; and

WHEREAS, Richard Tanagretta enjoyed welding gadgets in his garage,
and could be found riding down the road on his fire engine red Harley
Davidson, wind blowing in his handlebar mustache; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by one brother, John, Richard Tanagretta is
survived by the love of his life, the former Doreen Merz; four children,
Anthony (Anna), Michael (Patty), Lisa (Chelsea), and Christina (Kevin);
and four grandchildren, Mason, Aubrey, Julianna, and Alyssa; his humor
and sarcasm will be truly missed; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard Tanagretta leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Richard Tanagretta, long-time Pine Bush/New York City

Firefighter, 9/11 first responder and devoted member of his community;
and be it further

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