LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Deputy Mayor Joseph J.
Hennessy, renowned public servant, distinguished citizen, and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community, their profession, and their heritage served to enhance
the quality of life in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy, renowned public servant,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community, died on
December 21, 2014, at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 20, 1942, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy
earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. Francis College, and a
master's degree in Taxation from St. John's University; he also attended
the School of Savings Bank at Brown University; and
WHEREAS, From 1991 to 1995, Joseph J. Hennessy faithfully served the
village of Malverne, New York, as Mayor, and as Trustee from 1994 to
2014; his purposeful life and civic endeavors were unerringly directed
to serving the needs of his fellow human beings; and
WHEREAS, During his public service tenure, this esteemed man cham-
pioned many issues important to his district including a multi-village
negotiation to reduce the cost of solid waste disposal for Malverne,
Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Valley Stream, Freeport, and
Floral Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy successfully
negotiated a wide range of contracts and legal agreements for the
Village of Malverne, and directed a number of initiatives to reduce
Village operating expenses including financial information automation
and energy saving projects; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy actively worked
to support the Ambulance Corps, and Fire Department Districts, as well
as proposed library expansion and community center initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious professional career, Deputy Mayor
Joseph J. Hennessy served as Vice President and Tax Officer for Jamaica
Savings Bank; and
WHEREAS, Passionately committed to civic engagement and the uplifting
of his community, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy was Treasurer of the
Malverne Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy was sincerely loved and
greatly respected by all those with whom he worked; committed to his
community, the people he represented, his State, and his Nation, he
served his public with dignity, dedication and incisive wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Over a long and meritorious life of service on behalf of
others, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy was a man of action, of integri-
ty, and of commitment, whose true compassion was generously given to all
who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy, survived by his wife of 40
years, the former Susan Bedell, leaves behind a tremendous 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 Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy, renowned public
servant, 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 Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Hennessy.