Senate Resolution No. 2681

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Francis J. Sanzillo,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo, affectionately known as Frank, of
Brooklyn, New York, died on March 21, 2022, at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, Francis J. Sanzillo married his beloved wife,
Gussie, who was his rock, caretaker, confidant, and best friend;
together the couple raised their two adored sons, Robert and Michael;
and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, Francis J.
Sanzillo went on to attend the City College of New York, where he became
active in politics, helping to organize student demonstrations in
support of student and civil rights, and against the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo began working in New York politics
right out of college; in 1984, he was elected as the Secretary of the
New York State Senate Minority, where he fought to ensure underserved
communities were represented by elected officials who lived in the
neighborhoods they served; and

WHEREAS, Leveraging his unique ability to find support on both sides
of the aisle, Francis J. Sanzillo built a successful lobbying and
political consulting practice, where he worked tirelessly to serve
others through his final days; and

WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Service to their community was paramount to Francis J.
Sanzillo and his wife; throughout their 40-year marriage, they provided
funding for academic scholarships and Food for the Poor, fostered
multiple children through the Save the Children program, helped
orchestrate the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Northern
Westchester, and helped form a non-profit organization which supported
ECMO research; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, following his heart transplant, Francis J.
Sazillo worked closely with New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he sat
on the Transplant Forum Executive Committee; and

WHEREAS, Outside of his profession, Francis J. Sanzillo loved
playing and talking about golf, and could be found at his sons' athletic
events, watching the Packers, reading on the deck, cracking jokes, and
traveling the world; and


WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo was dedicated to a family which grew to
include in-laws and cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and children's
friends, all of whom he treated as his own; he relished a long chat and
was always ready when a loved one called seeking counsel; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother and father, Kathryn and Stephen;
and two brothers, Steve and John; Francis J. Sanzillo is survived by his
wife, Gussie; sons, Robert and Michael; and his brother, Tom; he was
eagerly awaiting the birth of his first grandchild in May; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Francis J. Sanzillo leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Francis J. Sanzillo, 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 Francis J. Sanzillo.