LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lou and Mary Carnesecca upon the occa-
sion of their designation as recipients of the Special Lifetime Achieve-
ment Award from the New York State Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc., Order
Sons of Italy in America on Friday, January 27, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lou
and Mary Carnesecca upon the occasion of their designation as recipients
of the Special Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State Grand
Lodge Foundation, Inc., Order Sons of Italy in America on Friday, Janu-
ary 27, 2012; and
WHEREAS, This fine event is the organization's 19th Anniversary Winter
Charity Ball, to be held at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place, New York;
and
WHEREAS, As a married couple and as individuals, Lou and Mary Carne-
secca have woven service to others into the very fabric of their lives;
for many, Lou is truly the face of St. John's University; he came to St.
John's as a student, 60 years ago, and ever since, as he puts it, "St.
John's has been in my blood."; and
WHEREAS, One of the longest serving head coaches in men's basketball
history, Lou Carnesecca became a legend, known for his inspired sweaters
and his winning ways; and
WHEREAS, During his 24 seasons, Lou Carnesecca led every one of his
teams to the postseason and amassed a remarkable 526-200 record; even
more legendary was his concern for his players; Lou's success was as
much about teaching those players how to live, mentoring and counseling
them, as it was about the fundamentals of basketball; and
WHEREAS, Lou Carnesecca's insight, passion, and expertise went hand in
hand with his generosity, charity, and faith; after retiring from coach-
ing, he became Special Assistant to the President, serving as a goodwill
ambassador for St. John's University around the globe and winning
friends with his humor, humility, friendliness, and grace; and
WHEREAS, None of this would be possible without the love and support
of Lou's own head coach and wife of over 50 years, Mary; best friends,
loving parents of daughter Enes, and devoted partners, they are a great
team; and
WHEREAS, As a coach's wife, Mary Carnesecca endured long separations
from her husband as he built those incomparable St. John's teams; she
supported him every step of the way, and he relied on the strength she
provided to him; and
WHEREAS, Mary is the backbone of the Carnesecca family, a caring,
wonderful partner who shares Lou's dreams and goals; perhaps the great-
est legacy the Carnesecca's have created are the many relationships they
have nurtured throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, Lou has an innate ability to make everyone he meets feel
special, and his enthusiasm is infectious; a devoted wife and mother,
Mary has always been ready to help those in need and unselfishly shared
her husband with so many; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lou and Mary Carnesecca upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Special Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York
State Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc., Order Sons of Italy in America on
Friday, January 27, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lou and Mary Carnesecca.