K 420: Mourning the death of David T. Wallingford, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

 Assembly Resolution No. 420 BY: M. of A. Woerner MOURNING the death of David T. Wallingford, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose life's work and public service served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deep sadness, this Legislative Body records the passing of David T. Wallingford of Malta, New York, who died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his home on Saratoga Lake at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Capital District, David T. Wallingford graduated from the Vincentian Institute in Albany, New York before continuing his education at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts; and WHEREAS, After graduating college in 1967, David T. Wallingford proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1967 as a captain; and WHEREAS, For his service in Vietnam, David T. Wallingford was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and various campaign medals and ribbons; and WHEREAS, David T. Wallingford was active in many veterans causes, including the Town of Malta Veterans Committee, the Marine Corps Coordinating Council, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Affairs, American Legion and the Stratton VA Medical Center; and WHEREAS, For his dedicated and selfless work with veterans, in 2017, David T. Wallingford was named the American Red Cross's Military Hero of the Year; and WHEREAS, David T. Wallingford was also the recipient of New York State Senate Liberty Medal and was an inductee into the New York State Senate's Veterans' Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, In 2012, the Malta Veterans Memorial Park was named in David T. Wallingford's honor for his lifetime of service; and WHEREAS, A dedicated member of his community, David T. Wallingford served on the board of the Saratoga County Water Authority, Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District, the Town of Malta Planning Board, and the Friends of the New York State Military Museum; and WHEREAS, David T. Wallingford's professional career included serving the State Division of Veterans' Affairs as Special Assistant to the Director, as well as Deputy Director for the Northeast, and as the Regional Administrator for the Division of Employment Services for the State Department of Labor; and WHEREAS, David T. Wallingford, who was married to his loving wife, Helene Wallingford, for 54 years, had four cherished children and eight beloved grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A man who gave of himself to his family and in steadfast service to our country, state, and community will long be revered and remembered; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of David T. Wallingford; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of the Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of David T. Wallingford.