LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Louis G. Matrazzo, a man of
singular distinction and extraordinary accomplishment

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay proper tribute
to those individuals of exceptional character whose lives exemplified
the highest ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in the great State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, Louis G. "Lou" Matrazzo of Clifton Park, New York, died on
Thursday, March 19, 2009, at the age of 58; and
WHEREAS, The beloved son of Anthony and Lillian Castelli Matrazzo,
Louis G. Matrazzo was born on November 5, 1950, in Troy, New York; he
was a proud graduate of Mechanicville High School and Hudson Valley
Community College; and
WHEREAS, For the last decade, Louis G. Matrazzo has served as an
extraordinary leader at the New York State Public Employees Federation
(PEF), the state's largest white-collar union and second largest state-
employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and techni-
cal employees across New York; and
WHEREAS, Louis G. Matrazzo became involved in the state labor movement
first as a PEF steward; he moved up quickly to the PEF Executive Board,
representing PEF members in the New York State Department of Health, and
then to the post of PEF Region 8 (Capital District) coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Well-known and highly respected, Louis G. Matrazzo was
elected as vice president of PEF in June of 2006; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Louis G. Matrazzo served as chair of the PEF
statewide Labor-Management Committee for the Health Department, was a
member of PEF's 2003 PS & T Contract Negotiating Committee, and was the
chair of the 2007 committee; and
WHEREAS, Prior to being elected as a PEF vice president, Louis G.
Matrazzo was a public employee for more than 37 years; he diligently
served as an information technology specialist 4 in the New York State
Department of Health; and
WHEREAS, All PEF members have benefited from Louis G. Matrazzo's
efforts, from his role on two contract teams, and leadership at rallies,
to his commitment to improving working conditions for members in the
Capital Region; his wisdom, guidance, and unparalleled professionalism
will be greatly missed but never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Louis G. Matrazzo was a devoted member
of the Community Reformed Church of Colonie, New York; and
WHEREAS, Louis G. Matrazzo will forever serve as a man worthy of
emulation for he exemplified the virtues of family, sacrifice, excel-
lence, and determination; and
WHEREAS, Louis G. Matrazzo's highest priority and joy was his family;
he is survived by his daughter, Michelle Matrazzo, and her mother, Mari-
lyn Maylor Matrazzo; his sisters, Mary Grace (Alan) Parker, and Pamela
Fay; as well as his nieces and nephews, Anthony Fay and Allison Fay,
Scott (Maya) Parker, Michael (Kathleen) Parker and Alana Xiaoying Park-
er; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Louis G. Matrazzo 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 Louis G. Matrazzo, a man of singular distinction and
extraordinary accomplishment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Louis G. Matrazzo.