LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John J. Wahlberg upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2016 Bay Shore-Brightwaters Distin-
guished Citizen Award by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore
and the Bay Shore BID on May 26, 2016

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, John J. Wahlberg has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
J. Wahlberg upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2016 Bay Shore-Brightwaters Distinguished Citizen Award by the Chamber
of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore and the Bay Shore BID to be celebrated
at its 16th Annual Award Dinner on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Captain
Bill's Restaurant, Bay Shore, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1961, John J. Wahlberg and his wife, Gale, moved to Bay
Shore, New York, to help Gale's uncle, Joe Duffy, manage Duffy's Market
on Main Street; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, John J. Wahlberg started a 35-year career with the
Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO); in addition, he became a licensed
electrician and a successful electrical contractor and businessman; and
WHEREAS, Through his work at Duffy's Market, LILCO and Wahlberg Elec-
tric, John J. Wahlberg built lifelong friendships which inspired him to
become more active in the community; and
WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, John J. Wahlberg has been a proud
member of the Penataquit Hose Company and an elected officer from 1975
through 1980 where he served as Captain; he also served as the Fire
Department's Band Master from 1975 through 1981 and led the award
winning band throughout New York State, and along the beaches of Fire
Island; and
WHEREAS, In addition, John J. Wahlberg was active in the Bay Shore
Athletic Sponsors, formerly the Quarterback Club, serving as President
for two terms and selected as Man of the Year in 1976 and 1977; he also
contributed his time and service to the Bay Shore Music Sponsors; and
WHEREAS, Since retiring in 2000, John J. Wahlberg has been called upon
to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, As one of the founding members of the Greater Bay Shore-
Brightwaters Saint Patrick's Day Parade, John J. Wahlberg was honored as
the parade's Grand Marshall in 2009; he serves as a member of the Long
Island Maritime Museum, and currently serves on its Executive Board; and
WHEREAS, John J. Wahlberg is a respected member of the Chamber of
Commerce of Greater Bay Shore and the Bay Shore BID, and has served on
its Executive Board for 15 years; he is also the sitting President of
the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Division One, and serves on the Board
of the Suffolk County Ancient Order of Hibernians; and
WHEREAS, Regularly offering his time to the community, John J.
Wahlberg's volunteer activities are extensive, ranging from helping
Atria residents into Saint Patrick's Church on Sunday mornings, fixing
lights in the Bay Shore Beautification Society's Reflection Garden,
setting up the sound system for the Summertime in the Park Concert

Series at the Band Shell, or proudly raising our American flags along
Main Street; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Gale, and his three
daughters, Deirdre, Karen, and Erin, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, John J. Wahlberg has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which John J. Wahlberg has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John J. Wahlberg upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2016 Bay Shore-Brightwaters Distinguished Citizen Award by the
Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore and the Bay Shore BID; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John J. Wahlberg.