Mourning the death of Leif Arnold Larsen, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

Senate Resolution No. 2243

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

        MOURNING   the   death   of  Leif  Arnold  Larsen,
        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 lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen passed away peacefully  on  February  9,
2026, in Cortlandt Manor, New York, at the age of 82; and

  WHEREAS,  Born  on March 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, Leif Arnold
Larsen was the son of Salve and Lovisa Larsen; and

  WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen's family moved to  Norway  when  he  was
very  young and lived there until he was five years old; after the birth
of his sister, Janet Larsen, the family returned to Brooklyn, New  York,
where he began elementary school without knowing a word of English; and

  WHEREAS,  Leif  Arnold Larsen grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from
Brooklyn Technical High School and after  two  years  at  Ohio  Northern
University,  he began working as an apprentice while serving on weekends
in the Army Reserves; and

  WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen distinguished himself in his  profession
and  by  his  sincere  dedication  and  substantial  contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

  WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen built a 30-year career  at  Consolidated
Carpet,  starting  as  an  installer  and  quickly  advancing to project
manager; he later retired from his role at Sherland and Farrington; and

  WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Leif Arnold  Larsen  was  known  not
only  for  his  exceptional  work ethic and leadership, but also for his
willingness to mentor others and lend a hand wherever needed; and

  WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen's  commitment  to  excellence,  and  his
spirit  of  humanity,  carried  over  into  all  fields  of  enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

  WHEREAS, Always ready  to  help  others,  whether  family,  friends,
neighbors,  or  his  church  community, Leif Arnold Larsen's passion for
project management continued through the generous donation of  his  time
and talents to Community Bible Church; and

  WHEREAS, Leif Arnold Larsen enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife,
Betty  (Balog)  Larsen,  of  nearly  60  years,  and  his sister-in-law,
Dolores, creating treasured memories along the way; and

  WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Leif Arnold Larsen served as  an  elder
at  Community  Bible Church, offering steady guidance and wisdom and his
involvement with the Gideons reflected his deep  commitment  to  sharing

his  faith and encouraging others; his beliefs were not simply something
he practiced but shaped how he lived, how he treated people, and how  he
gave of himself so freely; and

  WHEREAS,  A  devoted family man, Leif Arnold Larsen's wife Betty was
his best friend and faithful companion; his children, Lori,  Scott,  and
Kirk, and his daughter-in-law, Sharon (Sylvester) Larsen, were the pride
and  joy  of his life, and he especially cherished time with his beloved
grandchildren, Finn,  Rowan,  and  Tora;  whether  babysitting,  sharing
stories  and wisdom, or treating them to McDonald's, he poured love into
every moment he spent with them; and

  WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a  sense  of
compassion,  Leif  Arnold  Larsen leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn the death of Leif Arnold Larsen, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Leif Arnold Larsen.