LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Arnold R. Baum, retired
U.S.A.F. Major, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his communi-
ty

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of
those prominent citizens whose lifework and purposeful endeavors have
served to enrich and enhance the quality and character of life for
others in their community and the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Arnold R. Baum, a fourth generation resident of Callicoon,
New York, died on Sunday, February 1, 2015, at the age of 90 at his
family residence which he affectionately called "Baum-e-Lot"; and
WHEREAS, Arnold R. Baum was born on May 27, 1924, in Union City, New
Jersey, to the late Adam Rheinhold Baum and Margaretha K. Arnold Baum;
and
WHEREAS, Arnold R. Baum graduated from Delaware Valley Central School
in Callicoon, New York, where he broke the Western Sullivan High School
League track record for the mile race; and
WHEREAS, He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science degree
in Education from the University of Southern California; furthermore,
Arnold R. Baum completed additional studies in International Relations
and Economics at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Arnold R. Baum proudly served his coun-
try as a member of the United States Infantry; he was an active partic-
ipant in the European Theatre which included combat action in the Battle
of the Bulge with the 291st Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division;
and
WHEREAS, After the War, Arnold R. Baum returned to his beloved home-
town and entered the insurance business; he also met and married his
wife, Patricia Ann Caffrey; and
WHEREAS, Arnold R. Baum joined the local Air Force Reserve unit and
was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant, USAF; in 1950, he was recalled to active
duty due to the outbreak of the Korean conflict; at this point he
decided to embark on a military career and served during both the Korea
and Vietnam conflicts; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Lieutenant Arnold R. Baum's illustrious military
career, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, United
States Air Force Commendation Medal, and three Campaign Battle Stars for
WWII European Theatre; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from the United States Air Force in 1970,
Major Arnold R. Baum earned a New York State Permanent Certification; he
held the positions of Teacher, Principal, and Education Director/ Super-
intendent; and
WHEREAS, Along with his wife, Arnold R. Baum also owned and operated a
real estate rental and management business; and
WHEREAS, Arnold R. Baum's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Arnold R. Baum consistently devoted his energy to the Calli-
coon community; he acted as Town of Delaware Councilman, and both Board
Member and President of the Delaware Valley Central School District; in
addition, he was a Trustee and Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of

Directors of the Hortonville Cemetery Association for more than 40
years; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Arnold R. Baum served as both a member of the
Citizens Advisory Board to the Callicoon Delaware Valley Job Corps and
the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (I.D.A.), as well as
Commissioner of the Sullivan County Conditional Release Commission; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Arnold R. Baum held several other civic roles and
earned numerous awards for his efforts; he was most proud of his work
with the Hortonville Cemetery Association and the VFW Post 5808; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his loving wife, Arnold R. Baum is survived by
his two daughters, Valerie Ann (Christopher) Lingeman and Willow Ann
Baum; son-in-law Michael Lundgren; and two grandchildren, Anton and Adam
Lingeman; as well as four step-grandchildren, Nicholas, Chloe, Made-
leine, and Clayton Lundgren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Arnold R. Baum 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 Arnold R. Baum, retired U.S.A.F. Major, 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 Arnold R. Baum.