Senate Resolution No. 1350

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito upon
the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of
his Ordination to the Priesthood on May 16, 2019

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito upon the occasion of
celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on
Thursday, May 16, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Joseph N. Sestito was born to Joseph and Marianne Sestito
in Rome, New York; after graduating from the Rome Free Academy, he
attended both St. Andrew's Seminary and St. Bernard's Seminary in
Rochester, New York, and Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg, New York;
he earned his degree in Theological Studies from St. Mary's Seminary in
Baltimore, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, On May 16, 1959, Joseph N. Sestito was ordained into the
priesthood by The Most Reverend James J. Navagh, D.D. at St. Mary's
Cathedral in Ogdensburg; and

WHEREAS, Father Joseph N. Sestito began his long and distinguished
career as an Assistant Pastor at St. Patrick's and St. Anthony's
Parishes in Watertown, New York, and provided religious instruction at
Immaculate Heart Academy; and

WHEREAS, Father Joseph N. Sestito then continued his role as an
Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Massena, New York, and St.
Augustine's Church in Peru, New York; from 1964-1967, he was the
Assistant Pastor for St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, New York; and

WHEREAS, From 1967-1992, Father Joseph N. Sestito proudly served his
country as a Chaplain in the United States Navy; throughout his tenure,
he served at numerous naval stations including New River, North
Carolina; Marine Aircraft Group 18/1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Vietnam;
Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington; the USS "Bainbridge,"
Gulf of Tonkin; Alaska; Navy Chaplains School, Rhode Island; Great Lakes
Training Center, Illinois; Navy Air Testing Center, and Patuxent River,
Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Father Joseph N. Sestito was
awarded the Bronze Star on June 12, 1970; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the United States Navy in 1992, Father
Joseph N. Sestito returned to the North Country, and served briefly as
Temporary Administrator for St. Anthony's Church in Watertown, and then
St. Martin's Church in Port Leyden, New York; upon his official
retirement, he moved to Manlius, New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention, it
is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito upon the occasion of
celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on
May 16, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito.