Senate Resolution No. 2233
BY: Senator BRESLIN
COMMENDING Donald John Keeler posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on February 10, 2020
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 peacetime, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Donald
John Keeler posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Donald John Keeler was born on April 29, 1921, in Troy, New
York, the son of Wilbert and Alice (Teal) Keeler; and
WHEREAS, On December 10, 1943, Donald John Keeler enlisted in the
United States Naval Service and proudly served his country in the
Pacific Theater in the Philippines from 1944 to 1946; and
WHEREAS, For his meritorious service during World War II, Donald
John Keeler was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal,
and the Asiatic Pacific Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on May 25,
1946, Donald John Keeler returned to the Capital District and was
employed as a Machinist in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, On December 24, 1947, Donald John Keeler married the former
Joyce Bentley of Arlington, Vermont; they relocated to Maine in 1975,
where the couple raised two sons, Zane and Jay, and two daughters, Holly
and Enid; he was the loving grandfather of seven grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Donald John Keeler was a man of
many interests; he held a pilot's license for many years and was a
licensed ham radio operator; also passionate about nature, he was a
beekeeper with a love of animals and birds; and
WHEREAS, Donald John Keeler died on March 4, 2005, at the age of 83;
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,
Donald John Keeler 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 Donald John Keeler posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on February 10, 2020; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Donald John Keeler.
