LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano 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, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano was born on March 21, 1912; and
WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo of Italian immigrant parents, Nicoletta Duke
Sebastiano came to Williamsville as a baby, raised her family in Cheek-
towaga, and now resides in Clarence Center in the Vinecroft Retirement
Community; and
WHEREAS, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano attended Williamsville High School
on Academy Street; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Class of 1930, she was the valedictorian,
editor-in-chief of the school yearbook and newspaper, and president of
the Student Council; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 2010, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano attended her
80th class reunion, the last one for her school; and
WHEREAS, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano also participated in community
theater and was the lead in many plays produced by Williamsville's
Monroe Players; and
WHEREAS, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano's post-high school education
included the Buffalo Normal School, now Buffalo State College; in the
early 1920s during the Depression, she transferred to the Bryant &
Stratton Business Institute, where she graduated with honors; and
WHEREAS, She was employed as secretary, and bookkeeper and then office
manager at the L.N. Whissel Lumber Co., once located at the corner of
Main Street and Union Road; and
WHEREAS, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano met her husband, James, at a church
dance; they raised their family in the Cleveland Hill area of Cheektowa-
ga; she has three daughters, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano was a member of the Cleveland Hill
Parent Teacher Association for 20 years; she also volunteered at her
church doing charity work, and was involved in Girl Scouting leadership
for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, When Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano was 57, she realized her life-
long dream of becoming a teacher and began substituting in local high
schools; later, she and her brother purchased the Kensington Business
Institute of Buffalo and Kelley Business Institute in Niagara Falls, and
she became the corporate secretary as well as head teacher; and
WHEREAS, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano was also active in Christ United
Methodist Church in Snyder, serving as secretary of the Discipleship and
Adult Education commissions, as well as publicity chairperson; and
WHEREAS, As a Cheektowaga resident, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano was
actively involved in the Clarence Senior Citizens Travel Club and was
also a Telephone Assistance Program volunteer, calling senior citizen
shut-ins every week to give them encouragement; and
WHEREAS, At 88, Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano was selected to receive
Coordinated Care's Prime Time Award, which honors Western New York
senior citizens who exemplify successful aging and community service;
and
WHEREAS, At 95, she moved into the Vinecroft Retirement Community,
where she participates in social and educational activities and has made
many crocheted items for charity fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; 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, 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, 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 Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano upon the occasion of her 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nicoletta Duke Sebastiano.