LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life of Jack Schlegel of Mount
Tremper, New York, World War II Veteran, Distinguished Citizen and
Devoted Member of his Community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Jack Schlegel, World War II veteran, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community, noting the signif-
icance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Jack Schlegel of Mount Tremper, New York, passed away on
Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the age of 90 just days after taking part in
a 70th anniversary ceremony while in failing health, alongside President
Barack H. Obama at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer,
France where he bravely fought; and
WHEREAS, A decorated World War II hero who escaped from German capture
multiple times, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Jack Schlegel was
among the members of the 508th Infantry Regiment of the United States
Army's 82nd Airborne unit who fought on D-Day; the road on which this
courageous soldier landed in the town of Picauville was named in his
honor forty years later; and
WHEREAS, Jack Schlegel was born in Germany, emigrated to the United
States with his parents in 1930 at the age of seven, and joined the
United States Army's elite airborne division in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return to the United States after the war, Jack
Schlegel eventually settled in Ulster County where he started a family
and became engaged in local civic life; and
WHEREAS, Jack Schlegel distinguished himself in his professions and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his neighbors; and
WHEREAS, He served as a Police Officer in Shandaken, New York, where
he was also a two-term Town Supervisor; in addition he was the owner and
operator of Schlegel Security Agency in Ulster County; and
WHEREAS, A co-founder and life member of the Ulster County Chiefs of
Police, Jack Schlegel was also a part of the 82nd Airborne Association,
American Legion Post 950 in Phoenicia, New York, the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, and the Mount Tremper Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Jack Schlegel was beloved and widely admired in his community
and he will be remembered for his gentlemanly manner, tremendous.spirit,
kindness and compassion for others; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to tradition, Schlegel returned to France every June
6th to commemorate the D-Day invasion; five years ago he participated in
a tandem parachute jump into the same area where he landed in 1944; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Elaine (Knapp) Schlegel,
and their youngest son, Martin, Jack Schlegel is survived by his son,
George G. Schlegel; his daughter, Susan LaBudde; as well as two grand-
daughters, Jennifer and Jessica LaBudde; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Jack Schlegel 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 Jack Schlegel, World War II 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 Jack Schlegel.