Senate Resolution No. 1743
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Richard F. Tiedeman, United
States veteran and distinguished citizen 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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Richard F. Tiedeman died on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the
age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Richard F. (Dick) Tiedeman was born to Fred and Ceceile
(Jonasson) Tiedeman in Brooklyn, New York, on May 24, 1931; he was
raised in the borough's Bushwick section; he graduated from Bushwick
High School in 1948 where he was awarded a medal for his superior
marksmanship on the school's riflery team; and
WHEREAS, After briefly working as a shipping clerk for a firm in
Queens, Richard Tiedeman was inducted into the United States Marine
Corps in December 1951; after basic training, he was assigned to the
Motion Picture Camera School at the Naval Air Technical Training Unit in
Pensacola, Florida, to learn aerial photography procedures which
included being strapped to the bottom of a helicopter with his camera;
and
WHEREAS, After rising to the rank of Sergeant, Richard Tiedeman
received his honorable discharge in December 1953 and remained a member
of the United States Marine Corps Reserves until December 1959; he was
awarded the National Defense Medal for his service; and
WHEREAS, After military service, Richard Tiedeman attended Pace
College and New York University, studying business administration; he
worked for Christian Dior at its Manhattan corporate office before
beginning a long career at Liberty Mutual Insurance, eventually becoming
the sales manager at its Scarsdale branch office; his personable
character, attention to detail, and strong work ethic undoubtedly aided
his success; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1960s, Richard Tiedeman moved to Mount Vernon
to be closer to work, and on many summer weekends, he could be found
visiting his many friends in the Hamptons on the East End of Long
Island; he also enjoyed spending time with his family; and
WHEREAS, After his retirement from Liberty Mutual in 1989, Richard
Tiedeman was able to pursue his interest in photography more fully; he
worked a few days a week at Scott Camera, first in New Rochelle, and
later in Peekskill, from 1990 until 2010, forging friendships with many
other amateur photographers; and
WHEREAS, Richard Tiedeman also had a lifelong interest in
automobiles and airplanes, carefully following new developments and
technologies; for many years, he proudly rode his 100th-Anniversary
Commemorative Harley Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle; he was a
lifelong member of Ridgewood Lodge No. 710 of the Free and Accepted
Masons; and
WHEREAS, Richard Tiedeman's last several years were spent at Atria
in Briarcliff Manor and the New York State Veterans Home in Montrose
where he was a popular resident; and
WHEREAS, Richard Tiedeman is survived by his two nieces, Ceceile
Strand and Carol Weiss Staudter, and their family members: Ceceile's
husband, David Strand; daughter, Eleanor (husband, Andrew Stecker, and
son, Jonah Stecker); and son, Erik; and Carol's husband, Thomas
Staudter; daughter, Margaret Staudter-Zea (husband, Joseph Gibb Zea);
and son, George; he was predeceased by his parents and elder sister and
only sibling, Arlene (Harry) Weiss; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Richard F. Tiedeman and to honor his enduring legacy;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard F. Tiedeman.
