Assembly Resolution No. 380

BY: M. of A. Sayegh

MOURNING the death of Leonard N. Spano

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and caring efforts of those who devote their life to
public service; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body must
record the passing of one of New York State's most distinguished
citizens, the beloved and respected Leonard N. Spano, of Yonkers, New
York, who died on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at the age of 88; the
humble work of this quiet gentleman most certainly benefitted, in one
way or another, every citizen in Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 5, 1930, to Nicholas and Mary Spano, Leonard
N. Spano was one of four children who grew up in southwest Yonkers; he
attended St. Peter's School and worked alongside his father, who
emigrated from Italy, learning the family's ice and coal business; and

WHEREAS, When refrigeration prevailed, the business became the Spano
Fuel Company where Leonard worked as a licensed oil-burner installer and
then as vice president of the company; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 19, Leonard N. Spano enlisted in the United
States Marine Corp.; he served for three years during the Korean
Conflict before being honorably discharged; and

WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano met his wife, the former Josephine Scott,
at the age of 18, and the two married in 1952; the couple's first child,
Nicholas, was born in 1953 and by 1975, Leonard and Josephine were the
proud parents to 16 children; and

WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano became interested in public service in
1967, when he unsuccessfully ran for the Westchester County Board of
Supervisors; undeterred, he ran again in 1971, and won a seat on the
Westchester County Board of Legislators where he continued to serve the
14th District in Yonkers until 1993, when he was elected Westchester
County Clerk; and

WHEREAS, He held that position until 2005, when he retired; in a
1996 NewYork Times article, Leonard attributed his success to his strong
family roots, saying, "I attribute my winning elections to the good name
that was made by my father and his brothers. They didn't have any
education. But they knew the value of friendship, respect and hard
work."; and

WHEREAS, During his 34 years in elected office, Leonard N. Spano
helped shape policy in Westchester County; as Budget Chairman of the
County Board of Legislators, he was instrumental in transforming the
Westchester Medical Center into the tertiary care facility that serves
the Hudson Valley today; and

WHEREAS, He also spearheaded Westchester's Handgun Record-Keeping
Accountability Act as County Clerk, which improved the process of
tracking legally obtained handguns in Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Leonard N. Spano remained active
in many local organizations, including the Sons of Italy and the
Westchester School for Special Children, where he was a Board Member; he
also served on St. Joseph's Board of Trustees, was a Past President of
the Shomokin Rod and Gun Club and a lifelong member of the NRA; and

WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano was a longtime parishioner of Mt. Carmel
Church on Park Hill Avenue in Yonkers; and

WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano is survived by his cherished wife of 66
years, Josephine, and his children, Nicholas (Linda), John (Evelyn),
MariaElena, Eleanore, Leonard (Deidra), Joanne (Vincent Finnegan),
Rosemarie (Christopher Gannon), Camille, Michael (Mary), Victoria
(Thomas Smith), Anthony (Eva), Dolores (Richard Wilson), Loretta,
Gerard, Joseph (Rosalie), and Vincent (Jaime); 42 grandchildren and 18
great grandchildren; one sister, Rosemary DeStaso; and two brothers,
John Spano, and Michael Spano; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews;
and

WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life, one of service on behalf of his
family, community and country, Leonard N. Spano distinguished himself as
a man of values and commitment; he will be deeply missed and truly
merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations in a
moment of silent tribute to Leonard N. Spano, whose unselfish concern
for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so fortunate to
have called him family, colleague and friend, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Leonard N. Spano.