Senate Resolution No. 2230
BY: Senator BRESLIN
COMMENDING Joseph G. Rhatigan posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran
Ceremony on October 7, 2019
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peace-time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Joseph G.
Rhatigan posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on Monday,
October 7, 2019, at the North Albany Post No. 1610, Albany, New York;
and
WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany
County Veterans Bureau, known as the Albany County Honor a Veteran
Committee, created to honor a deceased Albany County veteran who served
his country in time of conflict; the Honor a Veteran Ceremony takes
place on the first Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, Joseph G. Rhatigan was born on September 26, 1949, in
Albany, the youngest child of Gerard and Helen (Ryan) Rhatigan; he
attended St. Joseph's Academy, graduating in 1967; and
WHEREAS, Four months later, following his high school graduation,
Joseph G. Rhatigan enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served
his country as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam with his unit Company D 24th
Engineer Battalion; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Joseph
G. Rhatigan was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Joseph G.
Rhatigan was employed with the Albany Fire Department; he joined in
1972, and served the residents of the City of Albany with valor and
integrity for 32 years before retiring with the esteemed position of
lieutenant in 2004; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Joseph G. Rhatigan had a magnetic
personality and was an amazing storyteller; he loved playing golf and
fishing with his brothers, nephews and his friends; and
WHEREAS, Joseph G. Rhatigan died on March 7, 2015, at the age of 65;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by two sisters, Mary Jo and Elizabeth "Betty",
and one brother-in-law, Robert, Joseph G. Rhatigan is survived by his
wife, the former Lynn Cain; three children, Daniel (Jessica); Kateri
(George); and Colleen; 10 siblings, Elaine (John); Katherine; Edward
(Maureen); George (Susan); Laetitia; Melanie; Geraldine; Michael
(Joyce); Dolores (James); Mary; and five grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Joseph G. Rhatigan demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joseph G. Rhatigan posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a
Veteran Ceremony on October 7, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Joseph G. Rhatigan.
