Senate Resolution No. 288 BY: Senator HINCHEY MOURNING the death of John Synan, local legend, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose steadfast commitment to his community and undying love for his neighbor will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as John Synan who upheld the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, John Synan, affectionately known throughout his beloved Town of Woodstock, New York, as Jogger John, died on Saturday, November 26, 2022; and WHEREAS, John Joseph Synan was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Amityville, Long Island to a large family with eight brothers and sisters; and WHEREAS, An ace in school with a genius-level IQ, John Synan became a technical illustrator for NASA, inking the drawings of the lunar module before proudly serving as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era; and WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge, John Synan came to the Woodstock Festival in 1969, visited the town, and returned again and again, eventually making Woodstock his permanent home after riding north from New York City on a bicycle; and WHERERAS, A true local legend who made his rounds daily through town doing odd jobs for his adored fellow Woodstockers, John Synan could be seen daily jogging the area's roads, trails and hills, a free spirit roaming in his own unique world without boundaries; and WHEREAS, In a documentary by Kaleigh Griffin, "First Name: Jogger Last Name: John," the remarkable life of this extraordinary man was poignantly captured over a three month period before it was screened at the 2013 Woodstock Film Festival where John Synan received a well-deserved standing ovation from his hometown crowd; and WHEREAS, A sweet, gentle and profound man who was sincerely loved by all, the passing of John Synan marks the end of the greatest era Woodstock, New York, has and will ever know; and WHEREAS, John Synan's infinite selflessness and magical spirit will shine on through the vivid and happy memories he has instilled throughout the community he so much adored; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, John Synan leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of John Synan, and to express its deepest condolences to his family, friends and the Woodstock community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of John Synan.