LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gerald J. O'Brien 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 Gerald J.
O'Brien 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 Rensselaer County Honor-
A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Rensse-
laer County Office Building's Hall of Heroes, Troy, New York; 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 May 24, 1934, in Troy, New York, Gerald J. O'Brien was
born to Joseph and Margaret (Hickey) O'Brien; he attended Saint
Augustine's School, Catholic Central High School, and Hudson Valley
Community College in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien served his country as a member of the
United States Navy as a Seabee during the Korean War from 1953 through
1955; his exceptional service earned him the National Defense Service
Medal; and
WHEREAS, After returning home from his assignment, Gerald J. O'Brien
started working full-time with Niagara Mohawk as a meter reader, and
retired after 42 years as a Supervisor in the Gas Department; and
WHEREAS, A faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, New
York, Gerald J. O'Brien served in many ministries; he also volunteered
with Community Hospice for more than 20 years, and served as a Eucharis-
tic Minister at Saint Mary's Hospital in Troy; and
WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien's favorite past times were reading, kayak-
ing, and golfing; he enjoyed winters in Florida with his wife of 58
years, Barbara, and loved traveling with his family, especially to the
sea and Gloucester, his special place; and
WHEREAS, Gerald J. O'Brien died on Monday, May 9, 2016, at the age of
81; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his son, Troy Police Sergeant James O'Brien,
Gerald J. O'Brien was a loving and caring husband to his wife, Barbara
(Kelly) O'Brien, and a caring father to Susan Wyld, Kathleen, Sharon
Vest, Maureen Pace and Sally, and his four grandchildren, Casey, Aileen,
Kelly and Michael; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Gerald J. O'Brien 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 Gerald J. O'Brien 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 Gerald J. O'Brien.