LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Gerald Didio upon the occasion of
his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Gerald "Jerry" Didio, the fourth of Michael and Grasia Didio's
seven children, was born on February 28, 1910; on February 25, 2010, he
joyously celebrated his 100th Birthday surrounded by his family and
friends at a festive party hosted by the Sitrin Health Care Center in
New Hartford, New York, where he now resides; and
WHEREAS, Before moving to Sitrin in 2002, Gerald Didio had resided in
East Utica his entire life; he is a 1928 graduate of the Utica Free
Academy; he has always enjoyed sports and was the captain of the
school's baseball team as well as an avid golfer throughout his life;
and
WHEREAS, For more than 40 years, Gerald Didio owned and operated
Gerald's Men's Shop on Bleecker Street; the store was located across the
street from the historic St. John's Catholic Church, where he continues
to be a member; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Didio always greeted his customers with friendly words
and a smile on his face, advice he still gives to business owners today
along with his reminders to "give the customer a real value for the
dollar," add a personal touch, and make the customer feel at home, a
philosophy which, no doubt, contributed to his enduring success; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Didio served as President of the Downtown Merchant's
Association and has always been very involved in his community; a man of
many interests and talents, he played first violin for the Utica Sympho-
ny for six decades; he helped establish the East Utica Senior Center and
the Cornhill Youth Association, was an active and valued member of the
Utica Boosters and the Utica Comedy Club, and continues to enjoy reading
the newspaper and listening to music; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Didio was married to his cherished Linda for 52 years
prior to her passing in 1990; he has three loving daughters, who call
him the family activity organizer, and ten grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren, all of whom are proud to be part of his life; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man, Jerry Didio, who has experienced the
incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those
with the stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the
lives of his many friends and family; and
WHEREAS, This beloved man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last 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
congratulate Gerald "Jerry" Didio upon the occasion of his 100th Birth-
day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gerald Didio.