Assembly Resolution No. 565

BY: M. of A. Lawler

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Dr.
Robert C. Schelin, revered educator, distinguished
citizen 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 this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert C. "Doc" Schelin of Tappan, New York, since
1952, died on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the age of 76; and

WHEREAS, Robert C. Schelin was born on June 11, 1945, in Jersey
City, New Jersey, to the late Gunhild and Carl Schelin; and

WHEREAS, He married the former Carol R. Ricketts on August 3, 1974,
in Belmont, New York; and

WHEREAS, Robert C. Schelin received his PhD from SUNY Binghamton in
May of 1975; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert C. Schelin distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, He served as the Dean of Student Affairs at St. Thomas
Aquinas College, in Sparkill, New York, where he was also a professor of
history and political science, the women's and men's basketball team
rep, and the Advisor for the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert C. Schelin's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; he was a 50-year life-member
of the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan, and was a past-President
and Secretary of Commissioners for the Tappan Fire District but most
notably, he was Tappan's Santa Claus; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Robert C. Schelin was on the Rockland
Community College Board of Trustees and was a member of the RCC
Foundation; he also served on both the Town of Orangetown Highway
Advisory Committee, and the Orangetown Parks and Recreation Committee;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Robert C. Schelin volunteered every year
in Wellsville, New York, at the Ridgewalk and Run, and belonged to the
Baltic-Framat Chapter of the New Jersey Vasa Order of America; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Tappan Reformed Church, Dr. Robert C.
Schelin served as Vice-President of the consistory and cemetery
chairperson; and

WHEREAS, He was a Freemason, Stony Point Waywayonda Lodge; a member
of the Order of the Eastern Star, Stony Point Chapter 540; a member of

the Rotary Club, serving as a past-President of the Blauvelt-Orangeburg
Chapter; and a Paul Harris Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Carol L. Schelin, Dr. Robert C.
Schelin is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol; and his daughter,
Leslie (Clark) Heffernan; as well as many other loving family members,
friends, students, colleagues and athletes across the spectrum in
Tappan, Rockland County and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. Robert C. Schelin 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; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Robert C. Schelin, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. Robert C. Schelin.