LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo upon
the occasion of her designation as recipient of The Honorable Anthony V.
Cardona Award by the Capital Region Italian American Bar Association on
March 19, 2015

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those civic-minded community members who dedicate their lives and
careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo upon the occasion of her designation
as recipient of The Honorable Anthony V. Cardona Award by the Capital
Region Italian American Bar Association to be celebrated at its Annual
Dinner on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the Rotterdam Elks Lodge, Sche-
nectady, New York; and
WHEREAS, Victoria A. Graffeo was born in Rockville Centre, New York,
in 1952; today, she resides in Guilderland, New York; and
WHEREAS, Victoria A. Graffeo was educated in both the Schenectady and
Guilderland public school systems; prior to receiving her Juris Doctor
from Albany Law School of Union University in 1977, she graduated from
the State University of New York at Oneonta in 1974; and
WHEREAS, From 1978-1982, Victoria A. Graffeo engaged in private prac-
tice, and then entered government service as an Assistant Counsel to the
New York State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Victoria A. Graffeo began her work in the New York
State Legislature as counsel to several members, serving in this capaci-
ty for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, On January 1, 1995, Victoria A. Graffeo was appointed Solici-
tor General for the State of New York; she held this position until
September of 1996, when she was selected to fill a vacancy in the State
Supreme Court, Third Judicial District; and
WHEREAS, A few months later, The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo was
elected to a full term as Justice of the State Supreme Court; in March
1998, she held the distinguished position of Associate Justice of the
Appellate Division, Third Department; and
WHEREAS, On November 29, 2000, The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo's
appointment to the Court of Appeals was confirmed; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, The Honorable Victoria
A. Graffeo has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has
earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo
has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo upon the occasion of her
designation as the recipient of The Honorable Anthony V. Cardona Award

by the Capital Region Italian American Bar Association on March 19,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo.