LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Joseph R. Caputo, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Joseph R. Caputo of Shoreham, New York, died on January 7,
2012, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, Joseph R. Caputo attended public
schools and graduated from City College of New York; he honorably served
his country as a member of the United States Army from 1949 to 1951
during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Early in his career, Joseph R. Caputo worked for Columbia
Pictures in Manhattan; he later began working with Islip Town; and
WHEREAS, Joseph R. Caputo served as Suffolk County Comptroller for a
record 24 years; he first won office as County Comptroller in 1978, and
served six terms until 2002; and
WHEREAS, Joseph R. Caputo distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, During his time as Suffolk County Comptroller, Joseph R.
Caputo is credited for turning the office into an independent fiscal
watchdog; and
WHEREAS, Beyond Caputo's lengthy tenure as County Comptroller, he also
served as a County Legislator, the legislature's Presiding Officer and
Comptroller for Islip Town; and
WHEREAS, Joseph R. Caputo's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, While in Islip, Joseph R. Caputo formerly served as the
Venerable for the Marconi Lodge of the Sons of Italy in Islip, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Joseph R. Caputo is survived by his wife of 30 years, Claire
and children, Joseph, Richard, Christine, Terese, Robin and Michelle; as
well as nine grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Joseph R. Caputo leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Joseph R. Caputo, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Joseph R. Caputo.