LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Jay William Heckman, United
States Army Air Force Veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted 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, Jay William Heckman, a World War II Veteran and longtime
insurance agent who was active in his community, died on Saturday, March
8, 2014, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Jay William Heckman moved with
his family to Detroit during the Great Depression, then lived in Buffalo
for more than 70 years before moving to Durham, New Hampshire, in 2012;
and
WHEREAS, Jay William Heckman attended School 56 and was President of
his graduating class at Lafayette High School; he was a member of Troop
11, Boy Scouts of America and Lafayette Presbyterian Church, where he
served as deacon and elder; and
WHEREAS, A United States Army Air Forces Veteran of the Second World
War, Jay William Heckman was a Chief Warrant Officer, serving four years
in the South Pacific as an Administrative Officer and Co-Pilot in the
54th and 374th Troop Carrier Wings, transporting troops and cargo to
forward operating positions; and
WHEREAS, Highly decorated for his service to his country, Jay William
Heckman earned the Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pa-
cific Theater Ribbon with seven Battle Stars and Philippine Liberation
Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, This exemplary man distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Jay William Heckman spent the majority of his illustrious
career in the insurance business, initially with Richard L. Wood & Co.,
then operating independently; he was instrumental in the founding of
Carlton House Nursing Home in the late 1960s, and ended his career in
2010, with Realty USA; and
WHEREAS, Committed to the betterment of his community, Jay William
Heckman was Director of Greater Buffalo Insurance Association, Board
Chairman of the New York Heart Association and a Member of Buffalo Rota-
ry Club for more than 40 years; and
WHEREAS, Jay William Heckman is survived by two daughters, Nancy H.
Blasberg and Pamela; a son, Jeffrey C.; a sister, Natalie Noonan; and
four grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Jay William Heckman's commitment to excellence, and his spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Jay William Heckman 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 death of Jay William Heckman, United States Army Air Force
Veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Jay William Heckman.