Senate Resolution No. 1978

BY: Senator SEPULVEDA

MOURNING the death of Venancio Catala Jr.,
renowned public servant, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Venancio Catala Jr. was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Venancio Catala Jr., noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Venancio "Benny" Catala Jr. died on Monday, January 17,
2022, at the age of 52; and

WHEREAS, Born on November 3, 1969, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the
late Venancio Catala Sr. and Elena Colon, Venancio Catala Jr. arrived in
New York City with his parents at four years old and grew up on East
166th Street and Teller Avenue in Claremont Village in the South Bronx
where he attended public school; and

WHEREAS, Upon his graduation from Samuel Gompers High School,
Venancio Catala Jr. enrolled in Monroe College to further his higher
education; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1989, Venancio Catala Jr. and Tonya Hunter
welcomed his first child, Elena Catala; he later married Keisha S.
Edwards, and from that union, three children were born, his daughter
Krystil, and two sons, Craig and Benjamin; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Bronx,
Venancio Catala Jr.'s lifetime of community advocacy began when he was
just 16 years old with the Summer Youth Employment Program; he then
transitioned to working as a night shift janitor for the New York City
Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, After meeting The Honorable Aurelia Greene, Venancio Catala
Jr. was employed as a Constituent Service Representative in the Bronx,
where he provided assistance to constituents with education, housing and
social services; and

WHEREAS; Furthermore, he was instrumental in helping local residents
navigate access to state resources and programs; and

WHEREAS, Venancio Catala Jr. served under the leadership of
Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene until 2002 in multiple capacities,
including as Constituent Liaison, Constituent Services Director and the
District Office Liaison to the Albany Legislative Office; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, he represented the Assemblywoman at various
community events and traveled to Albany, New York during legislative
sessions to assist with constituent cases and policy work; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Venancio Catala Jr. displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Venancio Catala Jr.'s infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Venancio Catala Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; 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 to
mourn the death of Venancio Catala Jr., and to express its sincere
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Venancio Catala Jr.