Senate Resolution No. 996

BY: Senator BRESLIN

CONGRATULATING Edmund Steffler upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Edmund Steffler upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday, to
be celebrated with family and friends on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at
The Hangar 743, Latham, New York; and

WHEREAS, Edmund Steffler was born in Watervliet, New York, on April
9, 1921, to Michael Stefanowicz and Sophie Miezwa who originally
immigrated from Poland to Hazelton, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Watervliet High School in 1939,
Edmund Steffler began his valiant military service with the 105th
Infantry, 27th Division on October 15, 1940; during this time, he
proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Air
Corps in Hawaii and the Island of Tinian in a B-29 Superfortress heavy
bombardment squadron during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Flying its final combat missions on August 14, 1945 when
hostilities ended, post war B-29s carried relief supplies to Allied
prisoner of war camps in Japan and Manchuria; Edmund Steffler was
honorably discharged in November of 1945, with the esteemed rank of
Captain; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Edmund
Steffler attended Siena College where he earned a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree in Accounting in 1949; and

WHEREAS, Edmund Steffler went on to have a long and illustrious
career in business and finance, working for Farm Credit Association and
Equitable Life Insurance Company, before becoming Treasurer of Farm
Family Insurance Company, a position he held until his retirement
January 1, 1984, after 30 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has spent his life instilling values
of integrity, kindness, and courage in his children, grandchildren, and
great grandchildren; his unwavering commitment to family and virtue had
an invaluable impact on the countless lives they touched; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, with a steadfast and unwavering commitment to
his community, Edmund Steffler has been an active member of the Knights

of Columbus, American Legion, Colonie Elks, and Our Lady of Assumption
Church where he served as Eucharistic Minister and Usher; and

WHEREAS, Edmund Steffler with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Edmund Steffler has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Edmund Steffler upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Edmund Steffler.