Senate Resolution No. 1853

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

MOURNING the death of Josephine Spano,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her
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; Josephine Spano was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Josephine Spano, nothing the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Spano of Yonkers, New York, passed away on
Wednesday, December 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, A native of Yonkers, New York, Josephine was born on
January 6, 1934, and attended Commerce High School where she met and
fell in love with her teenage sweetheart, Leonard Spano; and

WHEREAS, Josephine and Leonard Spano married on July 12, 1952, where
they moved to California where Leonard was stationed as a U.S. Marine
entering the Korean Conflict; and

WHEREAS, The adoration Josephine and Leonard Spano had for each
other deepened with every decade and through Leonard's years of public
service as a longtime County Legislator, Westchester County Clerk, and
business owner and she remained a supportive force; they were happily
married for 67 years; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Spano, the matriarch of the Spano family,
instilled the gift of unwavering faith in her family and offered the
gift of her guidance, support and dedication to her 16 children, which
included former New York State Senator Nicholas Spano and former New
York State Assemblyman and current Mayor of Yonkers, Michael Spano, 42
grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Spano's commitment to the City of Yonkers was
evident in her constant work for numerous organizations such as
President of the PTA at Saint Peter's School and Mount Carmel School,
member of the St. Ann Society, head of the lunch program at Sacred
Heart, supporter of special needs children and a volunteer for many
charitable causes; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Josephine Spano who upheld the values
of community life and who, through her great actions, epitomized the
best of humanity; her insight and strength will forever serve as a
beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Josephine Spano 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 her; she 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 Josephine Spano, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

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