LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. 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 Gerard J.
LaBarge, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recip-
ient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual
by the New York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Rensselaer County
Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony in November of 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, Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. was born on May 11, 1933, to the late
Gerard J. and Mary E. (Crane) LaBarge in Boston, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. enlisted as a member of the
United States Marine Corps at the age of 17; he was schooled as a High-
Speed Radio Operator in San Diego, California, and bravely participated
in several combat missions with the 1st Division 5th Marine Regiment in
Korea; and
WHEREAS, Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. earned several medals and accolades
for his exceptional military service including the Korean Service Medal,
United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense
Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon being honorably discharged in 1954, this esteemed man
worked as a telegrapher for the Boston and Maine Railroad before settl-
ing in Schenectady, New York; he entered the world of banking, and
worked for several banks before retiring from Key Bank after an illus-
trious 42 year career; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. became a
proud member of the Marine Corps League where he served as Past-Comman-
dant of the Troy Detachment and Past Adjutant of the state organization;
he was also a member of the Veterans of Lansingburgh, Korean War Veter-
ans, and Disabled American Veterans, as well as Vice-Chairman of the
Rensselaer County Honor a Vet program; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. was an active part of his
community and participated in numerous Flag Day and Memorial Day
Parades; he also tended bar at the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS; Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Paul, Gerard J.
LaBarge, Jr. is survived by his beloved wife, Adele C. (Wubbenhorst)
LaBarge; one sister, Mary Elizabeth; his five children, Christopher
(Heather), Arlene (John), David (Sandy), Michelle (Joel), and Matthew,
and nine grandchildren, Adam, Jennifer, David, Jr., Catherine, Robert,
Jr., Melanie, Spencer, Olivia, and Nathan, as well as his four great-
grandchildren, Hunter, Maddie, Gwen, and Cooper; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. 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 Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr. 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; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Gerard J. LaBarge, Jr.