Senate Resolution No. 922

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Francesco Pedulla upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the
Federation of Italian-American Organizations of
Brooklyn, Ltd. on March 26, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Francesco Pedulla upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of
Brooklyn, Ltd. to be celebrated at its 40th Annual Gala on Sunday, March
26, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of
Brooklyn, Ltd. (FIAO) is a community based organization assisting
individuals and families in the Italian-American community; and

WHEREAS, The owner of Pedulla Ceramic Tiles, Inc., Francesco Pedulla
has spent more than 45 years helping families throughout the tri-state
area beautify their homes; and

WHEREAS, Francesco Pedulla was born on January 18, 1948, in Sidemo
Marina in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy, the youngest of nine
children to his parents Elisabetta and Girolamo; he was raised in Sidemo
until the age of nine, when he was sent off to live with his older
sister in Torino for a better life; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, at the age of 21, Francesco Pedulla and his older
brother headed to the United States in pursuit of the American dream;
just one decade later, Pedulla Ceramic Tile, Inc. was established as a
little shop on Brooklyn's 60th Street and 20th Avenue; this was the
start of what would later become a leading retail corporation; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to creating a
better future for his family, Francesco Pedulla worked tirelessly and
opened his second tile store on 20th Avenue in 1984; this immense 3,000
square foot store became the meeting place for architects, builders and
clients; and

WHEREAS, An active member of the Verrazano Rotary Club, Francesco
Pedulla has helped raise countless funds to provide humanitarian service
to the less fortunate and build peace in the world; and

WHEREAS, Francesco Pedulla is the proud recipient of numerous awards
and accolades including the 2014 Successful Businessman Award from the
National Federation of Italian-American Societies, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 48 years, Anna
Maria, and their three children, Vincent (Svetlana), Daniela (Louis),
and Giancarlo, as well as seven grandchildren, Gabriela, Francesco,
Leonardo, Vincenzo, Michael, Gianfranco and Sabrina, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Francesco Pedulla upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of
Brooklyn, Ltd. on March 26, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Francesco Pedulla.