Senate Resolution No. 2243
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Leif Arnold Larsen,
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 endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen passed away peacefully on February 9,
2026, in Cortlandt Manor, New York, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, Leif Arnold
Larsen was the son of Salve and Lovisa Larsen; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen's family moved to Norway when he was
very young and lived there until he was five years old; after the birth
of his sister, Janet Larsen, the family returned to Brooklyn, New York,
where he began elementary school without knowing a word of English; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from
Brooklyn Technical High School and after two years at Ohio Northern
University, he began working as an apprentice while serving on weekends
in the Army Reserves; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen built a 30-year career at Consolidated
Carpet, starting as an installer and quickly advancing to project
manager; he later retired from his role at Sherland and Farrington; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Leif Arnold Larsen was known not
only for his exceptional work ethic and leadership, but also for his
willingness to mentor others and lend a hand wherever needed; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Always ready to help others, whether family, friends,
neighbors, or his church community, Leif Arnold Larsen's passion for
project management continued through the generous donation of his time
and talents to Community Bible Church; and
WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife,
Betty (Balog) Larsen, of nearly 60 years, and his sister-in-law,
Dolores, creating treasured memories along the way; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Leif Arnold Larsen served as an elder
at Community Bible Church, offering steady guidance and wisdom and his
involvement with the Gideons reflected his deep commitment to sharing
his faith and encouraging others; his beliefs were not simply something
he practiced but shaped how he lived, how he treated people, and how he
gave of himself so freely; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Leif Arnold Larsen's wife Betty was
his best friend and faithful companion; his children, Lori, Scott, and
Kirk, and his daughter-in-law, Sharon (Sylvester) Larsen, were the pride
and joy of his life, and he especially cherished time with his beloved
grandchildren, Finn, Rowan, and Tora; whether babysitting, sharing
stories and wisdom, or treating them to McDonald's, he poured love into
every moment he spent with them; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Leif Arnold Larsen 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 Leif Arnold Larsen, 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 Leif Arnold Larsen.
