Senate Resolution No. 1929
BY: Senator MAYER
CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Mark
A. Rutherford, retired firefighter, devoted family
man and distinguished 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; Mark A. Rutherford was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Mark A. Rutherford, of Bedford
Hills, New York, who died on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the age of
65; and
WHEREAS, Mark Aaron Rutherford was born on September 8, 1956, to
Barbara and James Rutherford, Sr. in Mount Kisco, New York; he grew up
in Bedford, New York, where he graduated from Fox Lane High School in
1974; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Mark A. Rutherford joined the
Bedford Hills New York Volunteer Fire Department at the young age of 18
and continued to serve for 47 years; he was also a member of the Sons of
the American Legion Post No. 1575 in Katonah, New York, where he held
the position of Sergeant at Arms; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his volunteer endeavors, Mark A. Rutherford
worked as a foreman for the Town of Bedford Highway Department for over
three decades until he officially retired in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Mark A. Rutherford was a man of many passions; he was an
avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and raced his street stock
car number 21R for Rutherford Racing at the Middletown Dirt Track Racing
circuit; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents and brother, James L.
Rutherford, Jr., Mark A. Rutherford is survived by one sister, Karen
Hanratty; one nephew, James Rutherford III; his nephew's mother,
Ruthanne Bowles of Warwick; and numerous friends, colleagues and fellow
firefighters who will long cherish his kind and generous spirit; and
WHEREAS, Mark A. Rutherford's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his friends' and family's vivid and happy
memories; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of
love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Mark A. Rutherford leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; 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 Mark A. Rutherford, 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 Mark A. Rutherford.
