Senate Resolution No. 1784

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the untimely death of Justin Bodhi
Steigmeier, beloved son, Taekwondo Teacher, student,
Eagle Scout candidate, and cherished family and
community member

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Justin Bodhi Steigmeier, an extraordinary
young man of indomitable faith and dedication whose short, yet
purposeful life will long serve as a standard to which others might
aspire; and

WHEREAS, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier of Yorktown Heights, New York, died
on December 19, 2023, at the age of 15; and

WHEREAS, Born in Sleepy Hollow, New York on June 30, 2008, Justin
Bodhi Steigmeier was a high school sophomore and attendant of Our
Montessori School in Yorktown Heights, New York, after some time spent
as a homeschooler; and

WHEREAS, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier distinguished himself as a
dedicated student, volunteer, and teacher, and, through his hard work
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community, will be forever memorialized by this Esteemed
Body; and

WHEREAS, A student at W.S. Jeung Taekwondo for eight years, Justin
Bodhi Steigmeier achieved the rank of Second Degree Blackbelt; he later
became an assistant instructor and staff member teaching alongside
Master Philip Jeung; and

WHEREAS, A result of his unrelenting dedication to the martial arts,
Justin Bodhi Steigmeier, a member of the Demonstration Team, was a
two-time Gold medalist in Poomsae, and a Silver medalist in Sparring at
the New York State Taekwondo Championships in 2019 and 2023; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier had the privilege to
travel to South Korea and train at Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo
Headquarters, as well as Taekwondowon in Muju and his Grandmaster's
school, Yong In University, a truly profound and impactful experience;
and

WHEREAS, In 2023, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier became the recipient of
the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award and received a letter from
the White House signed by the President of the United States for his 100
hours of meaningful volunteerism and commitment to teaching Taekwondo;
and

WHEREAS, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier was a member of the Boy Scouts of
America in Troop 238 of Shrub Oak, New York; he was a Patrol Leader and

Candidate for the coveted rank of Eagle Scout; he earned 21 merit
badges, several awards, and completed dozens of volunteer hours serving
his community, truly standing as a role model to all those who had the
honor of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, For several years Justin Bodhi Steigmeier attended 4
Elements Earth Education in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey; most
recently, he was involved in the Teen Leadership Program where he had
much fun running free while also practicing the ancient arts of
tracking, wilderness survival, and natural awareness; and

WHEREAS, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier was known for his quiet and humble
nature, sense of humor, sharp intellect, insight, and maturity beyond
his years; he loved math, technology, spirituality, philosophy, and
mythology, as well as nature, being in the water, and playing video
games with his friends; and

WHEREAS, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier is survived by his parents, Melanie
Ryan and Andrew Steigmeier; grandparents, Andrew C. Steigmeier, Carolyn
Steigmeier, Susan Katz, and Peter Katz; many aunts, uncles, and cousins,
all whom loved him and who he loved dearly; he is predeceased by
grandparents Donna Steigmeier and Patrick Ryan; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier 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 untimely death of Justin Bodhi Steigmeier, 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 Justin Bodhi Steigmeier.