Senate Resolution No. 1006

BY: Senator MURRAY

MOURNING the death of Paul F. Felice, cherished
family man, distinguished community leader and
volunteer, dedicated public servant, and devoted
friend to many

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

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice of Patchogue, New York died on Tuesday,
April 25, 2023 at the age of 87; he was a beloved family man, husband,
brother, grandfather, and friend and a dedicated member of his
community; and

WHEREAS, From the young age of 8 years old, Paul F. Felice worked
diligently as a self-taught master mechanic, first at businesses of
family members and then at the Blue Point Laundry as a head mechanic;
and

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice graduated from Patchogue High School in
1955, and spent several years working for his brothers Louis and
Dominick, and then at Blue Point Laundry as a mechanic, and thereafter
he became a local business owner himself upon establishing his business
called Paul's Garage, and further, he was justly proud to be the eighth
member of his family to own and operate an automotive service station
within the Village of Patchogue; and

WHEREAS, Serving for more than 65 years, Paul F. Felice left a
time-honored legacy in his community of commitment to volunteerism as a
volunteer firefighter; and

WHEREAS, His commitment to the community was further demonstrated by
his leadership, Paul F. Felice proudly served as Patchogue Fire District
Commissioner for four consecutive five-year terms and as Fire Chief of
the Patchogue Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, A man of many interests and hobbies, during the course of
his volunteer firefighting service, Paul F. Felice came across a 1960
Mack Ladder Truck that was in desperate need of restoration, and, upon
recognizing its value brought the truck home to Patchogue; and

WHEREAS, After embarking on a joint labor of love to carefully
restore the 1960 Mack Ladder Truck, Paul F. Felice completed what is now
a customized historic showpiece that transports the Engine Company's
first hand-pumper known as the "Honey Bee," and now this truck is used
in community events for important occasions including, transporting
Santa Claus and his helpers in parades throughout the fire district and,
more solemnly, for taking faithfully departed firefighters to their
final resting place; and

WHEREAS, In demonstration of the deep love Paul F. Felice had for
his fellow Patchogue Volunteer Fire Department firefighters, he was
profoundly honored during the summer of 2022 to have his own truck,
5-19-18, forever inscribed with his name, "Ex-Chief Paul F. Felice"; and

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice exhibited honorable civic service to his
community when he served as a 3-term elected Trustee to the Patchogue
Village Board and later during his tenure as the Village of Patchogue
Community Development Inspector; and

WHEREAS, During his distinguished life, Paul F. Felice was a
recipient of the Lion's International Robert Uplinger Award, and he was
duly declared Italian-of-the-Year during 2012 at Patchogue's St.
Liberata festival; and

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice also was a member of several important
community organizations including the Patchogue Bay Power Squadron, the
Knight's of Columbus #725, the Brookside Yacht Club and the Suffolk Boat
Club, of which he was a past Commodore of both, and the Patchogue Lion's
Club of which he was past President; and

WHEREAS, As the first team sponsor of the Patchogue Youth Athletic
Association, in 1978, Paul F. Felice helped fund the expansion of this
league in order to include girls softball; and

WHEREAS, Always with community service in mind, Paul F. Felice
worked on many local projects including the restoration of the historic
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts; and

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice spent countless days of enjoyment with
family and friends alike cruising in the Great South Bay, Skunk Hallow,
Davis Park and throughout the waters of both the Peconic Bay and the
Long Island Sound; and

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice is survived by his loving wife, Margaret F.
(Lotito) Felice, to whom he was married to for 66 wonderful years; his
two children, Cheryl and Karen; his beloved grandchildren, Renee and
Monika who were his pride and joy; his sisters Patricia and Joanne; and
numerous other relatives, in-laws, and friends whose bonds he cherished;
and

WHEREAS, The commitment and devotion Paul F. Felice had to the
Patchogue community can be discerned through his many honors and
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice distinguished himself as a pillar of his
community throughout his life by his volunteerism and strong work ethic
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and proud public service and
volunteerism and his demonstration of the love he had for his family,
friends and his entire community, Paul F. Felice deserves to be
recognized, commended, and thanked by the people of the State of New
York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Paul F. Felice, a dedicated public servant, beloved

family man and friend to many, and pillar of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Paul F. Felice.