Senate Resolution No. 1301
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Arthur R. Orneck, renowned
firefighter, 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; Arthur R. Orneck was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Arthur R. Orneck, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Arthur R. Orneck, a life-long resident of Yorktown Heights,
New York, died on April 4, 2023, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Arthur R. Orneck who upheld the values
of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the
best of humanity; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 6, 1948, in White Plains, New York, to
Howard and Alice Orneck, Arthur R. Orneck honorably served his country
as member of the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1974, attaining
the rank of Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Arthur R. Orneck worked as a Professional Firefighter for
the Greenville Fire District in Scarsdale, New York, for 20 years before
retiring in 2000; he was a 58-year Life Member of the Yorktown Heights
Engine Company No. 1, serving as Chief of the Department between 1986
and 1987; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Past Chief Arthur R. Orneck was then elected to the Yorktown
Heights Board of Fire Commissioners in 1993, and began his 13th year as
a Commissioner on January 1, 2023; he was also a member of IBEW Local
No. 3; and
WHEREAS, Arthur R. Orneck is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; five
children, Mellissa, Jeffrey (Judy), Arthur E. (Amanda), Michael, and
John (Katelin); 12 grandchildren, Rebecca, Jacob, Savannah (Christian),
Madison, Christian-Tyler, Xander, Samantha, Joshua, Tyler, Shayne,
Tristan, and Everett; and four great-grandchildren; as well as a
brother, Howard (Susan); three sisters, Ruthe, Carole, and Susan
(Robert); and many nieces and nephews; he is predeceased by his parents,
two brothers-in-law and a niece; and
WHEREAS, Arthur R. Orneck's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Arthur R. Orneck leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Arthur R. Orneck, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Arthur R. Orneck.
