Assembly Resolution No. 312
BY: M. of A. Zebrowski
MOURNING the death of William Thomas Mahan, United
States Army Veteran, distinguished citizen, and
devoted 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; William Thomas Mahan was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of William Thomas Mahan, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas Mahan, known affectionately to friends and
family as Bill, of New City, New York, died on Sunday, January 8, 2023,
six days before his 93rd birthday; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas Mahan was Jesuit-educated and graduated from
Fairfield University in 1952, where he majored in Pre-law and
Government; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, William Thomas Mahan entered the Army and
served as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War; he was honorably
discharged in 1960; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, while still in the U.S. Army, he married the love
of his life, Nancy Jeanne Keeley; the two would have celebrated their
69th wedding anniversary this past February; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas Mahan joined IBM where he had a 33-year
career after his release from active military service in 1954; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to our nation's
veterans, William Thomas Mahan was very active in veteran affairs,
having served as Commander of the William E. DeBevoise, Jr. American
Legion Post 1682 in New City, and Rockland County Commander; he also
held a variety of other positions, and served on various committees at
the county, district, and state level of The American Legion; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas Mahan served as the New York State American
Legion Consultant for the Legislative Committee and had been actively
involved in pursuing veterans benefits at the State Capitol in Albany;
and
WHEREAS, William Thomas Mahan was a member of the NYS Senate
Veterans Advisory Committee and the National Americanism Council; and
WHEREAS, He was graciously awarded a Life Membership of the American
Legion, a member of the 40/8, ANIVICUS, the Disabled American Veterans,
the Korean War Veterans, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the
Haverstraw Elks; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, William Thomas Mahan was appointed by the Governor
and approved by the Senate to serve on the New York State Veterans Home
in Montrose, New York, and served as President of the Board of Visitors
for eight years; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades throughout
his long life, William Thomas Mahan received the New York State Senate
and New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit, Daughters of the
American Revolution Community Service Award, Rockland County Legionnaire
of the Year, the Rockland County Veteran of the Year, New York State
Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, and Clarkstown Senior Citizen of the Year;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a deep sense
of compassion, William Thomas Mahan 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 William Thomas Mahan, United States Army Veteran,
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 William Thomas Mahan.
