LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of former New York State
Senator Royden A. Letsen, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
public servants of the State of New York whose lifework and civic
endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and
this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of former New York State Senator Royden A.
Letsen, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplish-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Royden A. "Roy" Letsen, of Yonkers, New York, died on May 26,
2014 at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, Royden A. Letsen was elected to represent the 32nd District
in November 1964, defeating an incumbent who had not lost an election in
35 years; he served for one term; and
WHEREAS, Royden A. Letsen attended the University of Pennsylvania
where he received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton
School of Finance and Commerce; he received his M.B.A. in Personnel
Administration from New York University, and his Doctorate in Jurispru-
dence from New York Law School; and
WHEREAS, He was a former partner in the law firm of Griffen, Letsen,
Coogan & Veneruso, of Bronxville and worked in the General Practice of
Law and of counsel to Robert I. Eber, Esq., Tarrytown, New York; he was
a member of the Yonkers Lawyer's Association, the Westchester County Bar
Association, and the New York State Bar Association, and admitted to
practice before the New York State Bar, the United States Supreme Court,
the Eastern and Southern Districts of the Federal Court in the State of
New York, and the United States Court of Military Appeals; and
WHEREAS, Royden A. Letsen distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, A former Trial Commissioner for the City of Yonkers, he was
also a former member of the City of Yonkers Planning Board, a former
Commissioner of East Hudson Parkway Authority, Founder and Director
Emeritus of Hudson Valley Bank, Director Emeritus of Hudson Valley Hold-
ing Corporation, member and former Director of Yonkers Chamber of
Commerce, and former Board Member of the Industrial Development Agency
of the County of Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, Royden A. Letsen's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Among his many community activities, he was a founding member
and Past President of the Rotary Club of East Yonkers, former Chairman
of the Board of Trustees and Director Emeritus of St. John's Riverside
Hospital, Past President, United Way of Yonkers, former Board Member of
the Woman's Institute, and Board Member of Michael Milotz Nursing Pavil-
ion; in addition, he was a Fourth Degree Knight and member of La Rabida
Council, Knights of Columbus, Past Commander, Alan F. Waite Post No.
299, American Legion, Past Chairman Central Committee of War Veterans
Organization, City of Yonkers, Past President of the Advisory Board of
the Catholic Youth Organization, and Past President of the Yonkers Chap-
ter of the United Nations Association; and
WHEREAS, Roy A. Letsen was a Communicant of the Roman Catholic Church
of the Immaculate Conception in Tuckahoe, a member of the Reserve Offi-

cers Association and Retired Reserve Officers Association, and Colonel,
United States Army Reserve, (Ret.); and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Agnes Letsen, Royden A. Letsen is
survived by his son, James R. Letsen (Maria) and daughter, Joyce A.
Lynch (Dorsey), as well as his grandchildren, Christina, James, Kevin
and Katherine; and
WHEREAS, Royden A. Letsen, throughout his career and life, served his
community and the people of the State of New York with intelligence and
caring dedication, contributing significantly to the quality of life of
his constituents and the communities of the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former New York State Senator Royden A. Letsen,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Royden A. Letsen.