LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Philip J. Minissale, Sr. posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Philip J.
Minissale, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Rensselaer County Honor-A-
Veteran Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 28, 1927 in Albany, New York, Philip J. Minis-
sale, Sr. was the son of the late Tindaro and Carmela (Gregoli); he was
educated at St. John's Elementary and High School in Albany, New York
followed by Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations
in New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, On May 16, 1945, Philip J. Minissale, Sr. proudly enlisted in
the United States Navy and headed to Sampson Naval Training Center in
Geneva, New York, where he successfully completed his basic training; he
then served his country with honor and distinction during World War II
aboard the U.S.S. Montauk; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge on August 11, 1946, this valiant sailor
re-enlisted for four more years serving as a V-6 Cox in the United
States Naval Reserves; and
WHEREAS, During his time in the United States Navy, he received
significant awards such as the America/Theater Medal, Victory Medal and
the Asiatic Pacific Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of the war, Philip J. Minissale, Sr.
started working for Sterling Winthrop in Rensselaer where he retired in
1989; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Philip J. Minissale, Sr. was the
President of Local 61 (ICWU); in this capacity, he fought daily for
safer working conditions and negotiated contracts with the company; he
was greatly respected by the union members as well as his company; and
WHEREAS, Philip J. Minissale, Sr. married the former Agnes J. Marino
on May 24, 1952, at St. Anthony's Church, Albany, New York, and together
they raised three children; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community, Philip J. Minissale, Sr. was a
member of the American Legion Joseph Ezeloga Post and the Colonie Elks;
and
WHEREAS, Philip J. Minissale, Sr. died on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at
the age of 89; predeceased by his sister-in law, he is survived by his
wife, Agnes; one daughter, Cynthia M. (John, Sr.); two sons, Philip J.
(Lorraine) and Theodore P. (Donna); six grand-children, John M. (Kelly),
Anthony M. (Maria), Maria C. (Michael), Philip J. III (Allison), Theo-
dore P. Jr. (Hannah), and Michelle M. (engaged to Nicholas Grant); and

two brothers, Frank (Ersilia) and Anthony as well as many nieces and
nephews; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Philip J. Minissale, Sr. displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Philip J. Minissale, Sr. demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserved to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Philip J. Minissale, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as a recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Philip J. Minissale, Sr.