NEW WINDSOR – Public officials who touched former State Senator William Larkin’s life are expressing their condolences over the passing of the 91-year-old statesman.
Governor Andrew Cuomo praised Larkin saying he “led by example every day of his life and was an inspiration to me and countless others who wanted nothing more than to serve the people of this great state and nation.” The governor said, “We own him and his family the greatest debt of gratitude for his heroism and tireless devotion to our country.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said Larkin will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to public service.
“He was the gold standard in public service – firefighters, cops, all different people were impacted by his support and key to his heart was veterans,” Neuhaus said.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, said, “America lost a hero, New York lost a statesman, the Hudson Valley lost a son and advocate and so many lost a mentor, peer and friend.” Molinaro said Larkin lived “a storied and purely American life – courageous and kind conscientious and decent, full and honorable.”
Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan said Larkin “committed his life to serving his community and his country with valor and integrity.”
State Senator James Skoufis (D, 39), who assumed Larkin’s seat following last year’s general election, said Larkin had a “lifetime of service and unwavering dedication to our country will live on as an inspiration. May his memory be a blessing to the countless lives he touched.”
Senator Susan Serino (R, 41) was in the Senate along with Larkin. “Serving alongside Colonel Bill Larkin was one of the greatest honors of my life. During my first years in the Senate, I was lucky enough to be seated alongside Senator Larkin, and he quickly became a beloved friend and mentor. He served our state and his community with tireless passion and dedication. He always put people first and never missed an opportunity to bring people together.
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said Larkin’s “positive impact on our community will be felt for many years and never forgotten.”
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt said he mourns the loss of Larkin, who “served with integrity and distinction for decades of his life in the US Army and in state and local elective office.”
Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson praised Larkin. “Bill Larkin was a masterful politician. He treated everybody with respect regardless of party. He loved his country,” he said.
US Senator Charles Schumer said Larkin was “an advocate for all veterans, champion for the Hudson Valley, and will be deeply missed.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said while Larkin and he were “from different political parties and generations… we became fast friends, sometimes to the frustration of harder partisans on both sides.” Maloney said Larkin “taught me how to be a better public servant, because he loved the people he represented and thought endlessly about how to make their lives better.”
Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said Larkin loved the City of Newburgh and all of its people.
Wallkill Town Supervisor Edward Diana is a former Orange County executive who worked closely with Larkin. “America, New York State and Orange County lost a veteran, a statesman, a true public servant, a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. I lost a mentor and a true friend,” Diana said.
Orange County Partnership President Maureen Halahan said Larkin’s passing “is absolutely an end of an era. I cannot think of another elected official that did more for the Hudson Valley such a long period of time. He impacted the region in such a positive way.”
Orange County Community College President Dr. Kristine Young called Larkin “the quintessential public servant,” and said, “If it was important to his constituents, there was no issue too big or too small for which Bill would not fight in order to improve life for all of us.”
