Senate Resolution No. 2232
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Joseph Burton Jr.,
distinguished United States Army veteran,
long-serving Chief of Police, and devoted community
leader
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the lives
of those distinguished individuals whose service, leadership, and
devotion to their communities leave a lasting legacy upon the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Burton Jr., a resident of Ossining, New York, passed
away on April 6, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family
following a courageous illness; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 27, 1946, in Yonkers, New York, Joseph
Burton Jr. was the beloved son of Joseph and Josephine Burton, and was
raised with strong values of service, discipline, and community; and
WHEREAS, After completing his education, including degrees from
Mercy College in Criminal Justice and Human Resource Management, Joseph
Burton Jr. honorably served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966,
attaining the rank of Specialist Fifth Class; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, he began a remarkable
48-year career with the Village of Ossining Police Department, rising to
Chief of Police in 1992, a position he held for 24 years, becoming the
longest-serving chief in village history; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burton was widely respected for his leadership in law
enforcement and his commitment to public safety, youth mentorship, and
community programs, including the DARE program, the Police Athletic
League, and regional police organizations, as well as his graduation
from the FBI National Academy; and
WHEREAS, Beyond policing, he served as Chairman of the Ossining
Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where he helped advance the implementation of
Advanced Life Support services, and as President of the Ossining
Historical Society, reflecting his deep commitment to community life and
history; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong mentor and coach, Joseph Burton Jr. dedicated
decades to Ossining youth athletics, especially girls basketball, where
he took great pride in guiding student-athletes to success and multiple
state championships; and
WHEREAS, He was known for his steady leadership, quiet strength, and
deep devotion to family, faith, and community, as well as his enduring
love for sports and his lifelong support of New York teams; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Burton Jr. is survived by his wife of 57 years,
Gabrielle; his daughter, Kristine Burton; his siblings, Warren Burton
and Carol Adams; and many extended family members and friends who will
forever cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Burton Jr.'s life of service, leadership, and
dedication to others leaves a lasting legacy throughout the Ossining
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Joseph Burton Jr., honoring his distinguished
military service, his decades of leadership in law enforcement, and his
lifelong commitment to his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Joseph Burton Jr.
