Senate Resolution No. 2470
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak,
beloved family man and active 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 endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly moved to mourn
the death of Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak; and
WHEREAS, Richard T. Gurniak died on Saturday, April 20, 2024; he was
a graduate of Pearl River High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College;
and
WHEREAS, Richard "Rich" T. Gurniak was a retired New York Police
Department Sergeant where he gave 30 years of dedicated service; at the
time of his passing, he was a respected Sergeant with the Brewster
Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, In all aspects of his lifework, Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak
was regarded as a passionate and committed law enforcement officer with
a stellar career; he was pivotal to the training and mentorship of many
new officers throughout his career, bestowing a legacy of hard work,
mutual trust, and unrelenting service unto all he taught; and
WHEREAS, Known widely for his zest for life, Richard T. Gurniak
enjoyed spending his leisure time experiencing the outdoors through
boating, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, golfing, traveling to new
places, going to the beach, as well as attending barbecues and family
gatherings; he additionally enjoyed the time he spent watching his
nephew's hockey games, watching football, and being with family during
holidays; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak's commitment to excellence and
spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Richard T. Gurniak is survived by his best friend and love,
Allison; brothers, James and Stephen (Stacey); sisters, Susan Mckeon
(John) and Janet; his niece and nephews; and large extended family; he
is predeceased by his loving parents, Frank and Theresa; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard T. Gurniak 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 mourn the death of Sergeant
Richard T. Gurniak, beloved family man and active member of his
community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak.
