2009-J6249
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Rosaria "Sadie" Catanese upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Rosaria "Sadie" Catanese was born on July 12, 1910, in Brook-
lyn, New York to Ignatius and Marion (Rolo) Mangiaracina, a Sicilian
name which when translated means "to eat grapes"; and
WHEREAS, Sadie's parents immigrated to America at the turn of the
century in the great wave of Italian immigrants arriving at Ellis
Island; sadly, her father died when she was just seven-years-old; howev-
er, her mother lived well into her eighties, establishing the family
longevity; and
WHEREAS, Sadie Catanese was the proud sister of three brothers,
Joseph, Peter and Paddy, and two sisters, Mamie and Jennie; although all
five are deceased, they gave her many nieces and nephews to love; and
WHEREAS, At the young age of 14, Sadie Catanese began working in
Battaman's Department store; and
WHEREAS, In 1929, when she was 19, Sadie married Vincent "Jim" Cata-
nese; together, they traveled by train to Montreal for their honeymoon;
and
WHEREAS, Jim Catanese worked at Rheingold Beer, once a top New York
brewery; they were married for 57 years until Jim passed away in 1988;
and
WHEREAS, Sadie Catanese is the proud mother of three wonderful daugh-
ters, Anna (the late Emiddio "John") Salvatore, Marion (Angelo) Ambro-
sio, and Mary Rose (the late Joseph) Deliberti, and the loving grand-
mother of eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, At the amazing age of 100, Sadie Catanese is still living
life to the fullest; she loves to read, and entertain family and friends
while telling the stories of her life, one which was well lived; she
truly is a treasure; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; she has expe-
rienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved
for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, Sadie Catanese has enriched the lives of those around her
through her 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 Rosaria "Sadie" Catanese upon the occasion of celebrating
her 100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rosaria "Sadie" Catanese.