LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring centenarian Angela Rosa Valenza upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition by Dominican Village
of Amityville, New York, at its Annual Dinner Dance on May 2, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and richness of life in the communities of New York
State are enriched and sustained through the contributions of individ-
uals whose long and purposeful lives personify the values of family,
faith, and citizenship; and
WHEREAS, A citizen of such worthy purpose and good works is Angela
Rosa Valenza, an exceptional centenarian whose zest for life and concern
for others has enriched and inspired the lives of all those who have had
the opportunity to know and love her; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend such individuals as Angela Rosa Valenza, who have touched the
lives of so many; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor 101
years young Angela Rosa Valenza upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by Dominican Village, and Long Island's Amityville
community, at Dominican Village's Annual Dinner Dance on May 2, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic and located in West-
ern Suffolk County, Dominican Village is a non-sectarian, not-for-pro-
fit, Independent and Assisted Living Retirement Community, with Respite
Care, which provides a beautiful living environment, enabling Angela
Rosa Valenza and its other residents to live their lives with relaxa-
tion, a choice of activities, opportunities for socializing, and a sense
of purpose; and
WHEREAS, Angela was born on April 17, 1908 to Maria and Ignatius who
had come to the United States from Sciacca, Sicily; she was born and
raised on Elizabeth Street in New York City's Little Italy, where the
family owned and operated a grocery store; the family later moved to
Brooklyn, then Queens and the Rockaways; of her childhood, she recalls,
as well, that she loved to play hopscotch and that her favorite food was
lasagna; and
WHEREAS, Angela had six brothers and five sisters, all of whom lived
beyond 75 years, and she has 145 nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Angela did clerical work for the Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company for 22 years; she married Joseph Valenza in 1944, when she was
36 years old, and they were happily married for 51 years; her husband
served in the United States Navy during World War II and Angela remem-
bers that when four American ships were attacked by German U-boats,
Joseph's ship was, remarkably, the only one to escape unharmed; and
WHEREAS, Angela came to Dominican Village in 1997 and enjoys greeting
visitors; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached the remarkable age of 101 and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the past century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor centenarian Angela Rosa Valenza upon the occasion of her desig-

nation for special recognition by Dominican Village at its Annual Dinner
Dance on May 2, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Angela Rosa Valenza.