Senate Resolution No. 1280
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Harold H. Heitmann,
distinguished citizen, veteran, 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 endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Harold H. Heitmann died on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the
age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born to Paul Heinrich and Katharina Heitmann in Brooklyn,
New York, on October 11, 1935, Harold H. Heitmann spent his youth in
Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn High School of Automative Trades in
1953; and
WHEREAS, After graduating high school, Harold H. Heitmann
immediately enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to Seabee unit MC B-6,
where he received the Navy Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense
Ribbon; Harold H. Heitmann was discharged from the Navy in 1957; and
WHEREAS, Upon leaving the Navy, Harold H. Heitmann married his
beloved wife, Anita, and together they shared the pleasure of starting a
family; and
WHEREAS, Filled with a strong desire to serve his Nation, Harold H.
Heitmann reenlisted in the Army Reserves 399th Civil Affairs Group in
1974 and was discharged in 1979 with the Army Reserve Components
Achievement Medal; and
WHEREAS, Harold H. Heitmann immediately reenlisted in the New York
Air National Guard 105th Air Lift Wing Civil Engineers "Prime Beef" Unit
in 1979; during his service, he attained the rank of Senior Master
Sergeant and received the Air Force Accommodation Medal, among many
other awards; and
WHEREAS, After a lifetime of honorable service to his Nation, Harold
H. Heitmann retired from the New York Air National Guard at Steward Air
National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, in 1995; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his dedicated service in the United States
military, Harold H. Heitmann worked for Con Edison Utility Company from
1960 to 1995; and
WHEREAS, Harold H. Heitmann's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by a love for his community, Harold H. Heitmann
was a volunteer firefighter at the Croton Falls Fire Department, a
member of the American Legion, and a leader of Boy Scout Troop No. 1 in
North Salem, New York; and
WHEREAS, At the center of Harold H. Heitmann's life was his family,
and he found joy in deer hunting, deep-sea fishing, socializing at
social club events, and getting together with other veterans; and
WHEREAS, Harold H. Heitmann is survived by his wife, Anita; his
three sons, Peter (Lynn Lobotsky), John (Jen MacKay), and Eric (Charlene
Linoges); his five grandchildren, Casey McNulty (Kaitlyn), Ryan Heitmann
(Lauren Cornlius), Christopher Heitmann, Matthew Heitmann, and Caroline
Heitmann; his three great grandsons, Jamison, Wesley, and Mason; his
sister-in-law; and two nieces; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Harold H. Heitmann 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 Harold H. Heitmann, 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 Harold H. Heitmann.
