LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Rose Rizzi 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Rose
Rizzi upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to be celebrated at a
party held in her honor on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Bay Ridge Manor,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Rose Rizzi was born Maria Rosa Valenti, on March 5, 1912, in
Brooklyn, New York, to Christina Campisi and Anthony Valenti; her mother
was born in Brooklyn and her father was from a town called Burgio in
Sicily, Italy; and
WHEREAS, Rose was the oldest of four children; she has a sister,
Minnie, and two brothers, Frankie and Victor; and
WHEREAS, When her mother died when Rose was only 15 years old, she
assumed the duties of cooking, cleaning, sewing, and caring for her
siblings so her father could continue working and support the family
financially; and
WHEREAS, Rose married at the age of 18 and shortly after had two sons,
James (Sonny) Rizzi and Anthony (Bobby) Rizzi; she was a talented seam-
stress which is how she supported her family; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Today, Rose enjoys sewing and cooking, but most of all, she
loves spending time with her family; she is the loving grandmother of
five grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand-
child; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, Throughout life's adversities, Rose Rizzi has always carried
her head high; she is incredibly strong-willed and will always fight for
what she believes in; after raising her own children, she raised many of
her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter, Alanna; and
WHEREAS, She was going to parent-teacher conferences in her 80s as
well as in her 90s, and even traveled with her great-granddaughter to
college a few times while in her 90's; and
WHEREAS, Rose Rizzi broke her hip at the age of 96 and amazingly, one
year later, she walked her great-granddaughter down the aisle for her
wedding; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman 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, Rose Rizzi lived her life helping others and dedicating her
all to her family; even at the extraordinary age of 100, she continues
to do so today; 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 Rose Rizzi 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 Rose Rizzi.