Senate Passes Legislative Resolution Memorializing the Life of North Merrick Veteran Tom Riordan

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate recently passed a legislative resolution memorializing the life of North Merrick veteran Robert “Tom” Riordan, who passed away in April. Senator Fuschillo sponsored the legislative resolution in the Senate.

     “Tom Riordan made our community a better place. He was a devoted community leader who touched many lives through his generosity. Passing this legislative resolution is one small way to ensure that Tom’s incredible legacy of service will always be remembered,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     Tom Riordan was a tireless and passionate advocate for local veterans. A Marine Corps veteran, he was a longtime member of the American Legion and served as Commander of North Bellmore American Legion Post 1749, Merrick American Legion Post 1282, and the Nassau County American Legion. He dedicated countless hours on service projects benefitting retired and active duty servicemen and women, including working with local students to coordinate and send care packages to American troops serving overseas; organizing a cell phone collection drive for the benefit of residents who were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan; and spearheading a book collection drive for veterans in the Northport VA Nursing Home.

     Tom Riordan is survived by his wife Margaret; his children, Peggy (Michael), Anne (Steven), and Robert (Megan); his ten grandchildren, Ryan, Patrick, Matthew, Tara, Christopher, Timothy, Kevin, Julia, Brian and Sara; and his brother, Paul.

     With the Senate passage of the legislative resolution, Tom Riordan’s accomplishments and record of service will forever be part of the New York State Senate’s official record.

Text of the Legislative Resolution

Senate Resolution No. J1485

BY: Senator FUSCHILLO

MOURNING the death of Robert Tom Riordan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Robert Tom Riordan, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan, of North Merrick, New York, died on Friday, April 19, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A United States Marine Corps veteran, Robert Tom Riordan was an active member of the American Legion; for more than 20 years he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans; and

WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan served the American Legion in many capacities; he was Post Commander of both North Bellmore Post No. 1749 and Merrick Post No. 1282, and served as the Commander of the Nassau County American Legion Committee, the umbrella organization for all American Legion posts in Nassau County; and

WHEREAS, In addition to helping American Legion Merrick Post No. 1282 achieve national and local recognition for excellence, Robert Tom Riordan actively pursued service projects that benefited veterans, soldiers, and the community as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan spearheaded drives to collect used eyeglasses for residents in need, and old books to be donated to veterans in the Northport VA Nursing Home; he also raised funds to purchase care packages for Nassau County residents serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and coordinated efforts with students to send care packages to American troops stationed overseas; and

WHEREAS, Robert Tom Riordan's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, His numerous efforts on behalf of veterans earned him several honors; he was named Merrick's "Man of the Year" in 2001, received a Town of Hempstead Veterans' Medal in 2002, earned the Nassau County Distinguished Service to Veterans Award in 2007, and, in 2010, was a recipient of the New York State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame Award; and

WHEREAS, Cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother, Robert Tom Riordan is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Peggy (Michael), Anne (Steven), and Robert (Megan); ten grandchildren, Ryan, Patrick, Matthew, Tara, Christopher, Timothy, Kevin, Julia, Brian and Sara; and brother, Paul; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Robert Tom Riordan 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 Robert Tom Riordan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Robert Tom Riordan.