LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of The Reverend Monsignor
George Valastro, beloved spiritual advisor and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of The Reverend Monsignor George Valastro, on
Friday, February 24, 2012, at the age of 84, noting the significance of
his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God always gave enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and administered
abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all;
and
WHEREAS, The son of the late Paul and Concetta Califano Valastro,
Monsignor George Valastro was born on February 11, 1928, in New
Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, He served his country as a member of the United States Navy
from 1946-1947; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor George Valastro served the parishes of St. Joseph
in Croton Falls, New York; St. Mary's in Saugerties, New York; and Our
Lady of Refuge in the Bronx; he was also a member of the faculty at both
Cardinal Hayes High School and Cardinal Spellman High School; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served as Spiritual Director and Rector of
Cathedral College Preparatory Seminary; Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes
High School in Poughkeepsie, New York; and Pastor of Sacred Heart Church
in Newburgh, New York, from 1981-1994; and
WHEREAS, On July 1, 1994, Monsignor George Valastro was appointed
Pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Middletown, New York, and, three months
later, he was appointed Episcopal Co-Vicar of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor George Valastro brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, Monsignor George Valastro is
predeceased by his two brothers, Philip and John, and is survived by his
three nieces, Sheila Valastro, Patricia DeSimone, and Mary Elizabeth
(David) Gaudio; one nephew, John Valastro; four grand-nephews, Alex,
Gregory, John and Jason; and two grand-nieces, Christine (Scott) and
Caitlyn; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Monsignor George Valastro 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 The Reverend Monsignor George Valastro, beloved spir-
itual advisor 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 The Reverend Monsignor George Valastro.