Senate Resolution No. 4015

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Madonna Bugman Verrastro upon the
occasion of her designation as Grand Marshal of the
2018 Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Madonna Bugman Verrastro upon the occasion of her designation as
Grand Marshal of the 2018 Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo, New
York; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment
Madonna Bugman Verrastro will have the honor of leading this year's
Saint Patrick's Day Parade entitled, "Hail to Saint Patrick-God Bless
America-Support Our Troops, " and dedicated to the memory of John J.
McCormick; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Deputy Marshals include her children, Amanda
Lee Verrastro and Michael Tyler Verrastro, as well as her granddaughter,
Layla Ryan Leo, and longtime friends, Thomas Young and Arthur Smith; and

WHEREAS, Madonna Bugman Verrastro is the daughter of the late Owen
E. and Gertrude R. Bugman, whose ancestry can be traced to immigrants
from County Clare and County Wexford in Ireland; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong and proud member of the South Buffalo community,
Madonna Bugman Verrastro was elected to the Executive Committee of the
United Irish American Association, where she continues to participate in
fundraising efforts; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she is an active member of St. Martin of Tours
Parish, as well as Save the Michaels of the World, an opiate support
organization founded in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished graduate of Canisius College, Madonna
Bugman Verrastro is an alumnae of the Buffalo Bills' cheerleading squad;
she currently works as the Claims Manager for Key Insurance and Benefits
Services; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal of the 2018 Saint
Patrick's Day Parade, Madonna Bugman Verrastro embodies the spirit and
the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State
and Nation; and

WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Madonna Bugman Verrastro upon the occasion of her designation as
Grand Marshal of the 2018 Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo, New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Madonna Bugman Verrastro.