LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring centenarian Frances Misso upon the occa-
sion 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 Frances
Misso, 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 Frances Misso, 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 102
years young Frances Misso 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 Frances
Misso and its other residents to live their lives with relaxation, a
choice of activities, opportunities for socializing, and a sense of
purpose; and
WHEREAS, Frances Misso was born on November 29, 1907, the second of
the seven children of Antoinette and Michael Giammalvo; she was raised
in Brooklyn and, even as a child, had many responsibilities as the "Big
Sister" in the family; and
WHEREAS, Her father died suddenly at age 40 so Frances left high
school to help support her family, with no special training, she
obtained an office position as a typist, became very proficient, and
continued to advance as an executive and legal secretary; and
WHEREAS, Frances married Albert Palumbo in 1926 and, in 1928, gave
birth to a son, Salvatore; when "Sonny" was tragically killed in an
accident while serving in the Army of Occupation after World War II,
Frances was, of course, devastated; fortunately, her deep faith and the
compassion and support of family, loved ones and friends sustained her
and enabled her to go on to live a full life; and
WHEREAS, She traveled extensively in this country and abroad and
shared her wonderful experiences with descriptive, beautiful letters; as
a child she developed the love of reading which she still enjoys; her
creativity and talent are also evident in the poems she writes for loved
ones for special occasions; and
WHEREAS, Frances Misso is one of the original residents of Dominican
Village, which opened in 1992; the independence, security, safety and
availability of transportation to doctors and shopping have been very
important to her; at 102 she continues to live as independently and
fully as she can; 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 102 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 Frances Misso upon the occasion of her designation 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 Frances Misso.