LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael A. Cocca, Sr. posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany Coun-
ty at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on May 2, 2016

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael A. Cocca, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony
on Monday, May 2, 2016, at the Legnard-Curtin American Legion Post 927,
Green Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County
Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran Committee to
honor deceased Albany County Veterans who have served their country in
time of conflict; the Honor A Veteran Program takes place monthly on the
first Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Michael A. Cocca, Sr. will be recognized at this year's May Honor A
Veteran Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 27, 1925, in Green Island, New York, Michael A.
Cocca, Sr. served his country as a member of the United States Navy as
an Aviation Radio Man from 1943-1946; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his meritorious service, Michael A. Cocca,
Sr. was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, some of which
include: Navy Air Medal, Navy Aircrew Badge, Navy Commendation Medal,
Combat Action Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign,
Medal with 1 Silver Star for the Invasion of Peleliu and Angaur, Leyte
Gulf, Luzon and 2nd Battle of the Philippine Sea, WWII Victory Medal,
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal with
2 Bronze Service Stars, NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, and NYS Conspicu-
ous Service Star; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Michael A.
Cocca, Sr. earned both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in
Metallurgical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI);
he then spent his entire career working for General Electric (GE),
retiring in the mid-1980s after many years of distinguished service as a
Metallurgical Engineer; and
WHEREAS, Michael A. Cocca, Sr. was a member of numerous organizations
in his community, including: Legnard-Curtin American Legion Post 927 and
the Reverend F.A. Kelley Post No. 38 DAV in Troy, New York; he was also
the Vice Chairman of the Green Island Power Authority, a member of the
IDA, Building Code Review Board, Zoning Board, Executive Board of the
Green Island Senior Citizens and Chairman of the Green Island Senior
Housing, LP; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marian, and their
four children, Anthony, Michael, Jr., Joseph, and Christine, all of whom
felt privileged to be a part of his life and rejoiced in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Michael A. Cocca, Sr. died on July 4, 2015, at the age of 90;
and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Michael A. Cocca, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran
Ceremony on May 2, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marian Cocca.