Senate Resolution No. 2233

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING William J. Rentz, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on January 13, 2020

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend William J. Rentz, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, January 13, 2020; and

WHEREAS, William J. Rentz, Jr. was born on January 9, 1938, in Albany, New York, the son of William and Mary (Fitzmaurice) Rentz; he attended Columbia High School in East Greenbush, New York, graduating with the Class of 1955; he later attended Siena College for two years; and

WHEREAS, On December 8, 1960, William J. Rentz, Jr. enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as a unit medic at the 364th General Hospital; and

WHEREAS, He was honorably discharged upon the completion of his military service on December 7, 1966, William J. Rentz, Jr. was employed with the New York State Department of Labor for 34 years, before retiring with the esteemed position of Manager of Technical Services in the Data Processing Department; and

WHEREAS, In his free time, William J. Rentz, Jr. known affectionately by friends and family as Bill, took an interest in golf, bowling, skiing, and carpentry as well as playing the drums and bugle for the Interstatesmen Drum and Bugle Core, the Crusaders and Grenadiers; and

WHEREAS, William J. Rentz, Jr. died on January 13, 2019, at the age of 81, and is buried at St. John's Cemetery in Schaghticoke, NY; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, William J. Rentz; and by his mother, Mary; William J. Rentz, Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Anne; his son Stephen (Libby); and his two grandchildren, Matthew and Laura; 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, William J. Rentz, Jr. 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 commend William J. Rentz, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on January 13, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of William J. Rentz, Jr.