Senate Resolution No. 85

BY: Senator BRESLIN

CONGRATULATING Peter Murray upon the occasion of
being named a 2016 honoree by KIDS COUNT! at its
17th Annual Testimonial Dinner on September 17, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community;
and

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession or
simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Peter Murray upon the occasion of being named a 2016
honoree by KIDS COUNT! at its 17th Annual Testimonial Dinner to be held
at the Watervliet Elks Club on Saturday, September 17, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Prior to the dinner, Coach Mike Deane will lead his annual
Basketball Clinic at the Watervliet Dome, a free event open to both boys
and girls of all skill levels; and

WHEREAS, KIDS COUNT! is a nonprofit organization which raises funds
to enhance the lives of children through recreational, cultural, and
educational programs in Watervliet, New York and the Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, The son of Peter and Mary Murray, Peter "Pete" Murray was
born and raised in Watervliet; he attended St. Brigid's School and
Sacred Heart of Mary followed by Watervliet High School; and

WHEREAS, As a child, Pete Murray played on both the Watervliet
Little League and the Babe Ruth League, as well as Watervliet Soccer and
Watervliet Softball; in addition, he was a member of Boy Scouts of
America Troop 39 in Watervliet; and

WHEREAS, As a student at Watervliet High School, Pete Murray
excelled in soccer and track and was involved in the gym demonstration
where he specialized in trampoline; and

WHEREAS, Immediately following high school, Pete Murray began
learning the trade of auto mechanics at Greg's Tire and then Square Deal
Garage in Watervliet; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, Pete Murray entered the United States Army as a
helicopter mechanic at Fort Rucker, Alabama; the following year, he was
reassigned to Aschaffenburg, Germany; in Germany, his pride and joy, his
daughter, Suzanne was born; he was honorably discharged in March of 1971
and returned to Watervliet to raise his family; and

WHEREAS, During the late 1970s, Pete Murray began working for the
City of Watervliet Recreation Department; in the winter months he worked
at the Dome, driving the Zamboni, working hard to ensure the ice rink
was both safe and ready for families from all over the capital region to
come and skate; during the summer, he oversaw maintenance at the
Watervliet City Pool; working directly under his longtime friend,
Recreation Director Charlie Diamond, he was instrumental in coordinating
numerous successful recreation department events in the City such as the
Arsenal City Run; and

WHEREAS, For the past 30 years, Pete Murray has been employed at the
Watervliet Civic Center; he helped supervise many events and tournaments
for the boys and girls visiting the Civic Center; he was regularly seen
in the pool room or at the ping pong tables teaching kids how to play
the games; and

WHEREAS, Whether it was in the weight room helping with lifting
techniques or coordinating dodgeball or kickball games, Pete Murray was
always there to ensure the children of Watervliet had a safe place to
play, and while there, they had a good time and made many friends; and

WHEREAS, Retired from the City of Watervliet, Pete Murray enjoys
spending time with his girlfriend, Roni LaCross, on their boat; they
also like to travel and look forward to the special trips when Pete can
see his two grandchildren, Lauren and Brandon, who live in California;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Peter Murray upon the occasion of being named a 2016
honoree by KIDS COUNT! at its 17th Annual Testimonial Dinner; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Peter Murray.