LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Domenica Santoro 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Domenica Santoro upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday, to be
celebrated on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Beeches Restaurant, Rome, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Domenica Santoro, affectionately known as Minnie, was born on
May 4, 1911, in Alatri, Italy, to Angelo Vinci and Anatolia Rossi Vinci;
and
WHEREAS, On October 14, 1922, at the age of 11, she and her brother
boarded the Guglielmo Peirce, and embarked on a 13 day journey to join
their parents in Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after arriving in America, Domenica Santoro enrolled
at the Academy of Holy Names to begin her formal education without
having proficiency in English; one year later, she left school to work
at her father's grocery store and to continue with her other family
responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, Her father later sold the grocery store to open Vinci's
Restaurant, which would become one of the better known restaurants in
Rome; at the age of 16, Domenica Santoro and her 13 year old brother
Joseph began assisting their father in the daily operation of the family
business; and
WHEREAS, On May 4, 1929, at the age of 18, Domenica married Nicolas
Santoro and together they had two children; while raising her children
she continued to work at Vinci's Restaurant; she also worked at the Rome
Canning Factory, Rome Dress Factory and General Cable; and
WHEREAS, Even at the remarkable age of 100, Domenica Santoro is an
active woman who takes joy in her many interests and hobbies such as
cooking, baking, sewing, and visiting with family and friends; 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, Today, Domenica Santoro is the proud mother of two children,
Helen (Vincent) Deangelis, and John (Patricia) Santoro, and the loving
grandmother of six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Since she first set foot 90 years ago on the shores of the
United States of America, Domenica Santoro has lived an exemplary life
of caring, giving and love to all; 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 Domenica Santoro upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Domenica Santoro.