Assembly Resolution No. 212

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Bishop &
Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
businesses within the State of New York which distinguish themselves
through outstanding professional behavior, and enduring commitment to
their community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.;
and

WHEREAS, In 1979, when the population of Hornell, New York was
approximately 10,000 people and there were seven existing funeral homes
in the city, Bill Bishop and Chuck Johnson, at the ages of 25 and 22
respectively, purchased the Nugent family homestead on Main Street to
establish the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, Today, after four decades of steadfast and unwavering
dedication to its community, Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home is one of the
three existing funeral homes; and

WHEREAS, When Bill Bishop and Chuck Johnson purchased the property
it was extensively remodeled to meet the needs of the families they
would have the honor of serving; in 1986, an addition was completed
which expanded the facilities to include a large entrance hall and
viewing room; and

WHEREAS, Additional neighboring properties were eventually purchased
to provide convenient off-street parking; and

WHEREAS, After the untimely and unexpected death of Chuck Johnson at
the age of 34 on May 6, 1991, Bill Bishop continued the operation of the
funeral home until 1997, when Steven DeSanto, a Hornell native and
licensed funeral director, became associated with the business; and

WHEREAS, That same year, Bill Bishop purchased the former Bond-Davis
Funeral Home in Avoca, New York, and renamed it after several years of
ownership to the Avoca Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Bill Bishop and Steven DeSanto have been
honored to serve local veterans and their families through their
sponsorship of a balloon launch every Memorial Day to recognize veterans
who have passed away the previous year; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Bishop & Johnson Funeral
Home continues to provide service with sincerity while showing
compassion, professionalism and expertise; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, Bishop & Johnson
Funeral Home has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and


WHEREAS, The success of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Bill Bishop and Steven DeSanto, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and the community
it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Bishop & Johnson
Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
businesses who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community
and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly
have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bill Bishop and Steven DeSanto, Bishop & Johnson Funeral
Home, Inc.