Assembly Resolution No. 946

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

MOURNING the death of EJ Knapik, United States
Navy Veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; EJ Knapik was one such individual;
and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of EJ Knapik, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, EJ Knapik of Glenville, New York, died on Thursday, May 28,
2020, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, EJ Knapik proudly served his nation as a petty officer
aboard the USS Miami stationed in the Pacific during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, EJ Knapik
worked for General Electric for 33 years as a steam turbine designer;
and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to our nation's
veterans, EJ Knapik was a past state commander of the American Veterans
(AMVETS), a national organization which was established by an act of
Congress and accepts honorably discharged veterans from World War II
through the present; and

WHEREAS, The organization's Legislative Chairman for more than 30
years, EJ Knapik received the AMVETS Silver Helmet Award, also known as
the Veterans Oscar, in 2009; and

WHEREAS, EJ Knapik also served as the AMVETS representative at the
Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, where he spearheaded a $50,000
fund-raising campaign to renovate rooms at the hospital; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary man gave tirelessly of his
time and energies to the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, regularly
spending time with its patients and delivering craft kits as well as
personal care packages; and

WHEREAS, EJ Knapik also helped lobby the VA to create Fisher House,
a facility where family members of veterans at the center can stay
overnight; and

WHEREAS, Prior to moving to Glenville, EJ Knapik lived in Amsterdam,
New York, where he remained a member of the city's Post 21 Chapter of
AMVETS; additionally, he was the post's delegate to the state convention
for more than a half-century; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, EJ Knapik also served for 11
years as a trustee for the Saratoga National VA Cemetery Support Group,
which helped build the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery,
and on committees for the New York State Vietnam Memorial, Korean
Memorial and World War II Memorial; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, EJ Knapik 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 EJ Knapik, United States Navy Veteran, distinguished
citizen 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 EJ Knapik.