LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ralph Melino, Sr. posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ralph Melino,
Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Columbia County Deceased
Veteran Ceremony on Monday, June 22, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 20, 1933, to Joseph Melino and the former Lucin-
da Garafalo in Hudson, New York, Ralph Melino, Sr. graduated from St.
Mary's Catholic School before enlisting in the Armed Services; and
WHEREAS, On April 16, 1953, Ralph Melino, Sr. began serving his coun-
try as a member of the United States Army; after his initial training he
was assigned to post war Germany with the American occupational forces
as a stalwart member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO);
and
WHEREAS, NATO was initiated as a deterrent to the growing threat of
communism throughout the world, specifically Soviet Russia and satellite
countries in Eastern Europe; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, while serving with Company A, 2nd Infantry
Regiment, 5th Infantry Division that Private First Class Ralph Melino,
Sr. was injured in an accident; on March 12, 1955, he returned to the
United States, and was honorably discharged from the United States Army
on March 31, 1961; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge, Ralph Melino, Sr. married the former
Denise Crowley on September 30, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
Philmont, New York; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the well-being of his community, Ralph Melino,
Sr. participated and held leadership positions in many veterans' organ-
izations, including the Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Phil-
mont Minkler Seery American Legion Post 252, Hudson Elks No. 787, and
was a Veterans' Affairs (VA) volunteer; and
WHEREAS, At the time of his death, Ralph Melino, Sr. was employed as a
construction equipment operator with Faxon Excavating, Ghent, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Ralph Melino, Sr. is survived by his loving wife, Denise, his
devoted son, Ralph, Jr. (Mary), a beloved daughter, Judy (Kevin), and
two cherished grandchildren, Kody and Jenna; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Ralph Melino, Sr. demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for

their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ralph Melino, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon
an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Ralph Melino, Sr.