Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus released the following statement on Sunday upon learning that former State Senator William Larkin, Jr. has passed away at the age of 91.

“Senator Larkin will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to public service,” Neuhaus said. “He proudly served his country in the military and went on to just as proudly serve his community in the State Assembly and as Senator. He was a dedicated advocate for his constituents, especially veterans, military personnel and their families. Senator Larkin was tough, but also fair-minded and compassionate. His long and well-respected career was highlighted by, among other things, his class and grace. I’m deeply saddened by his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Larkin spent 39 years in the New York State Legislature, serving in the Assembly from 1979-90. He was first elected to the New York State Senate in November of 1990 and retired in December of 2018. A veteran with 23 years of active military service, Senator Larkin retired from the United States Army in 1967 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He served in many key positions, both in the United States and overseas, and saw combat in World War II while serving in the Philippines operation, and again in the Korean War. During his military service, Senator Larkin was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and seven Army Commendation Medals, and was also awarded one Battle Star for the Philippines and six Battle Stars for the Korean War.

For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.

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