LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert E. Ottofaro upon the occasion of
his designation as Man of the Year by Bridge to Youth, Inc. on February
12, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert E. Ottofaro upon the occasion of his designation as Man of the
Year by Bridge to Youth, Inc. at its Annual Dinner Dance to be held on
Friday, February 12, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Robert E. Ottofaro has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and
profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious
honor; and
WHEREAS, Robert E. Ottofaro was born and raised in Dyker Heights,
Brooklyn, and attended St. Bernadette Elementary School, Xaverian High
School and Staten Island Community College; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, Robert E. Ottofaro worked closely with his
father in the family's home improvement business; during this time his
father introduced him to the sport of skiing, which soon became his
passion; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit, Robert
E. Ottofaro traveled to Italy in 1980, upon his return, he began
importing Italian Skiwear which he distributed throughout the United
States from a small office in his home; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Robert E. Ottofaro used his lifesavings to follow
his dream of owning a retail ski and sport shop; with every ounce of
energy and every good idea he could develop to further his business
plan, in 1987, he opened his first shop on 77th Street and 3rd Avenue;
and
WHEREAS, The shop introduced Bay Ridge to fashion designs for the
slopes and the latest in high tech performance equipment for skiing and
snowboarding; and
WHEREAS, Step by step, Robert E. Ottofaro climbed the ladder of
success and in 1992, he expanded to a new location at 9213 5th Avenue,
where he opened a mega store which provides "one stop shopping" for the
entire family's winter needs; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, Robert E. Ottofaro further expanded when he opened
Panda Sport Golf, for local Golf enthusiasts, at 9217 5th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Robert E. Ottofaro has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, He is a past member of the 5th Avenue Board of Trade, 3rd
Avenue Merchants Association, and Bay Ridge Parks and Waterfront Coun-
cil, which helped sponsor Winterfest; he was also instrumental in the
development of a local skate board park; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert E. Ottofaro is a generous supporter of
Mercy Home, Rogosin Institute of Diabetes, Visitation Fathers Club,
Xaverian Golf Outing, Boma, Bridge to Youth, 62nd and 68th Precinct, Kim
Cacas Golf Outing and Dyker Civic Association; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Robert E. Ottofaro has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Donna, who feels priv-
ileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Robert E. Ottofaro has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
career, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert E. Ottofaro upon the occasion of his designation as Man of
the Year by Bridge to Youth, Inc. on February 12, 2010; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert E. Ottofaro.