Senate Resolution No. 769 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., of Stony Point, New York, died on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 15; he exemplified outstanding community service and dedicated his life to his family, friends, and fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, The youngest of five children, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., lovingly known as "Kenny J.," was born on February 18, 2010; he was a student at North Rockland High School; and WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., had a special bond with his mother and a close relationship with his three brothers, each bond unique; and WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., was an amazing Christian young man who loved his family, friends, and video games; and WHEREAS, Fifteen-year-old Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., was an aspiring firefighter and volunteer as well as a member of the Rockland County Fire Explorer Post 44; members of the Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services have said that he exhibited a real passion for serving his community; the Thiells Fire Department posthumously honored him, naming him an honorary firefighter; and WHEREAS, Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services posted a tribute to Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., stating that his passion for the fire service, eagerness to learn, and unwavering commitment to serving his community were evident in all that he did, and he truly embodied the values of courage, dedication, and brotherhood that define the firefighting program; and WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., is survived by his father, Kenneth Bermudez, Sr.; mother, Bernadette Perez; brothers, Frank Perna III, Joseph Perez, and Daniel Patafio; grandfather, Luis Bermudez, and grandmother, Annette Acosta; grandmother, Bertha Perez; aunts, Heather McGovern (Sean), Nilda Melendez (Vito), and Maria Padilla (Berto); uncles, Mike Perez (Leah), William Melendez, and Ray Melendez and Aunt Rosa Bermudez; many beloved cousins from New York, Florida, Delaware, and South Carolina; best friends, Charlie and Gunner; and many other close friends; he was predeceased by his sister, Karissa; and WHEREAS, Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., is so cherished; he will be missed tremendously by all who were blessed to know him, and there will be an eternal emptiness; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., and express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr.