Senate Resolution No. 944

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Vincent Piccola upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped build and shape
this Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Vincent Piccola upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Rome Memorial Hospital's
Residential Health Care Facility; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Piccola was born to Peter (Pietro) and Mary
(Domenica Ficca) Piccola on April 23, 1919, in Pennsylvania; along with
his four siblings, the family moved to Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1937, Vincent Piccola graduated from Rome Free Academy;
while living with and taking care of his mother, he worked at General
Cable Corporation as a machine operator before enlisting in the United
States Army; and

WHEREAS, The Army of the United States certified that Vincent
Piccola, Private, Company F, 6th Quartermaster Training Regiment, 1307th
Service Unit had honorably served in active Federal Service from June
26, 1941, to October 16, 1941, in Camp Lee, Virginia, with excellent
character; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable soldier transferred to the Enlisted Reserve
Corps., where he was re-called into active service with the 537th
Quartermaster Salv. Rep. Company from February 23, 1942, to December 5,
1945; he was honorably discharged as Private First Class at the end of
World War II in Fort Dix, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Vincent Piccola was awarded the
Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
Medal with one Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal,
Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar;
and

WHEREAS, While traveling to Italy for six months in 1953, Vincent
Piccola met and fell in love with the former Lucia Sticca; they married
June 15, 1953, in Pompei, Naples, Italy; together they had two sons, the
late Richard, and Perry (Deborah); and

WHEREAS, Vincent and Lucia Piccola were happily married for 63
years, until her death in 2016; today, Vincent is the loving grandfather
to Tracey (Matthew) Downs; and


WHEREAS, Vincent Piccola has always been an amazing story-teller,
telling tales of his many adventures, using his uncanny ability to
remember dates and details; he is also a great fan of Gary Cooper and
enjoys watching re-runs of MASH; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Piccola has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Vincent Piccola upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Vincent Piccola.