Senate Resolution No. 1995

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING John J. DePerno of Sylvan Beach,
New York, upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on April 9, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate John J. DePerno upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday to
be celebrated with family and friends at Ventura's Restaurant in Utica,
New York, on Sunday, April 7, 2024; and

WHEREAS, John J. DePerno was born to Italian immigrants in Utica,
New York, on April 9, 1924; he has four brothers, Rock, Carmen, Joseph,
and Larry, and two sisters, Mary and Betty; and

WHEREAS, After high school graduation, he obtained a Bachelor in
Economics degree from Utica College, now called Utica University, as one
of the institution's first class of students; and

WHEREAS, During World War II from 1943-1946, John J. DePerno proudly
served in the United States military; in 1947, he married his high
school sweetheart, Mafalda "Mitzi" DePastene; the couple were blessed
with four daughters; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, John and Mafalda DePerno joyously
watched their family expand; Marianne and Joseph Jakubowski, Elaine and
Andy Brown, Dorthea Casey, and Joni DePerno-Zahas and Scott Zahas shared
in the delight as subsequent generations were added to the lineage; and

WHEREAS, Six grandchildren, Sheri Fanelli, Joey Jakubowski, Justin
Casey, Tara Skidd, Kristy McBride, and Scot Zahas, and eight
great-grandchildren, Zoe and Kenzie Jakubowski, Alessandra and Adriana
Casey, Brantley and Bode McBride, and Michael and Thomas Skidd, have
brought happiness and fulfillment to John J. DePerno who enjoys spending
time with his family; and

WHEREAS, John J. DePerno was a tractor-trailer driver for Gold Medal
Foods; well-known in the hospitality industry, he was manager of Carlton
Beach Club, owner and operator of the Forest Hotel (1954-1984), and
designer, builder, owner, and operator of Captain John's Restaurant in
Sylvan Beach (1973); and

WHEREAS, Active in his community from 1969-1990, John J. DePerno was
a founding member of the committee to incorporate the Village of Sylvan
Beach, Oneida Lake East Shore Merchants Association (OLESMA), We Care

Village Booster Club in Sylvan Beach, and Sylvan Beach Beautification
Committee; he was a founding member and editor of the Sylvan Beach News;
he served on the Sylvan Beach Planning Board for nine years and was a
Village Trustee for 12 years; and

WHEREAS, Besides spending time with his grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, John J. DePerno relishes hunting and cooking; his
passions are keeping family close together and providing community
service to the Village of Sylvan Beach; he believes that life's greatest
riches are family and health; and

WHEREAS, With his zest for life, John J. DePerno has inspired and
enriched the lives of his family and friends through the profound charm
and wisdom which come only from a fullness of years; this exceptional
centenarian has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows
characteristic of, and reserved for, those with the stamina and courage
to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
outstanding achievements of this Nation during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate John J. DePerno upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on April 9, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John J. DePerno.