LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Catherine Allocca upon the occa-
sion of celebrating her 103rd 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, Catherine was born on March 17, 1909 in Italy, while her
mother and father were visiting relatives; she and her parents returned
to the United States when she was just four weeks old; and
WHEREAS, The oldest of 15 children, Catherine lived most of her young
life in Long Island City and Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 22, Catherine married Frank Allocca; together,
the young couple moved to Brooklyn, New York, where they raised three
children, Vincent, Collette and Alberta; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Allocca devoted herself to making a loving home for
her family; her culinary skills were extraordinary; her many friends
truly enjoyed their visits to her home because she was such an amazing
cook and baker; the delicious smell of homemade sauces and pastas perme-
ated her home, and those who were lucky enough to visit, were guaranteed
a great meal and a fantastic dessert; and
WHEREAS, Even today, people still talk about Catherine's peach and
blueberry pies, cheesecake, chocolate cake, crumb cake, and muffins; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Allocca had an active lifestyle; she was always on
the move, from creating things in the kitchen to walking around her
neighborhood; at 103, she still loves to dance and enjoys all styles,
especially the Charleston, the Peabody, and the Macarena; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian is always looking forward to the
next party and family celebration; currently, she resides at St. Nicho-
las Home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where she is loved by all the residents
and members of the staff; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her three loving children, Catherine is
blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren and four great-grandchildren;
and
WHEREAS, She credits her daily diet of oatmeal, her sharp memory, her
sense of direction, and most importantly her calm temperament as all
having played important roles in the secret to her longevity; and
WHEREAS, Catherine's road to longevity has been enjoying the simple
things in life, most importantly, cake and coffee with lots of milk and
sugar; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman, 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, Catherine Allocca 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 Catherine Allocca upon the occasion of celebrating her
103rd Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Catherine Allocca.