Senate Resolution No. 1763

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch upon
the occasion of celebrating their 65th Wedding
Anniversary

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in paying
tribute to those flourishing marriages that have stood the test of time
to serve as a paradigm for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch upon the occasion of their 65th Wedding
Anniversary; the couple celebrated this milestone on May 29, 2019, at
their home with their children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Gratch and the former Elizabeth Darcangelo were
united in marriage on May 29, 1954, at St. John the Baptist Church, in
Rome, New York; the ceremony was officiated by the Reverend Victor
Ciaciarelli and their attendants were: Maid of Honor, Midgie Vaccaro;
Best Man, Archie Gratch; and Ushers, John Rizzuto and Kenneth Rizzuto;
and

WHEREAS, Elizabeth wore a gown of white nylon tulle, rose point
lace, long pointed sleeves and bouffant skirt of tiered drifts and tulle
embroidered with sequins as well as a fingertip illusion veil and
matching cap; she carried a prayer book with a white orchid; and

WHEREAS, Breakfast immediately followed at the home of Lillian and
Henry Rizzuto; the reception was then held at The Stanwix Hotel; the
bride and groom honeymooned with a trip through Canada and Old Forge;
and

WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of 11 children, Mary, Charles,
Camille, Susan, Leonard, Lisa, David, Paula, Vincent, Christopher, and
Lawrence, and the loving grandparents of 27 grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch are and always have been a
tower of strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their
family; and

WHEREAS, Their devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness to
their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch have lived and continue to live
their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a
deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so
doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and

WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard
work and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and

WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual

members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and

WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a
milestone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an
occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should
be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch upon the occasion of
celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch.