LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Dr. Leo Cusumano upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition as Top Runner Up for the 2009
Country Doctor of the Year Award

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and honor distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to
the service and well-being of their communities in this great Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Dr. Leo Cusumano upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as Top Runner Up for the 2009 Country Doctor of the Year
Award; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Leo Cusumano has served with great distinction as a
pediatrician in private practice for many years in Cuba, New York, and
at both Cuba Memorial Hospital and Olean General Hospital; and
WHEREAS, A native of Long Island, Dr. Leo Cusumano attended medical
school in Rome, Italy, and completed his residency in Newark, New
Jersey; he first practiced medicine in Olean, New York, and then Cleve-
land, Ohio, prior to establishing his private practice in Cuba, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A devoted pediatrician, Dr. Leo Cusumano has made himself
available to patients at all times of the day and night throughout the
year, in both his own home and in the homes of his patients; in emergen-
cies, he has often used his own dining room table and common household
items for examinations in order to best serve the critical medical needs
of his patients; and
WHEREAS, The dedication of Dr. Leo Cusumano to his medical calling was
exemplified by his postponing his proposal of marriage to his wife,
Megan, to answer a page to attend to one of his patients; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Leo Cusumano has persevered through his own
critical illnesses, including two bouts of cancer and chemotherapy
treatments, a bone marrow transplant, and a case of meningitis which led
to paralysis and memory loss; and
WHEREAS, The lifework of Dr. Leo Cusumano is the epitome and model of
excellence for a country doctor; this revered physician has provided all
levels of care to his patients with a unique personal touch; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Dr. Leo Cusumano has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dr. Leo Cusumano has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to extol and
publicly applaud and recognize those outstanding individuals who have
achieved notable success in their profession and in community service in
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Dr. Leo Cusumano upon the occasion of his designation for

special recognition as Top Runner Up for the 2009 Country Doctor of the
Year Award, and commend him for his dedication and outstanding service
to his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Leo Cusumano.