Senate Resolution No. 2042

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of the
Florentine Pastry Shop of Utica, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals and businesses that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commend those who work to better their local community and to keep
local traditions alive; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Florentine Pastry Shop of Utica,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The Florentine Pastry Shop has been making Italian cakes
and specialties in Utica, New York for nearly a century; and

WHEREAS, Opened in December of 1928 by Joseph Borgovini and Vincenzo
Gennaro, the Florentine Pastry Shop was originally located at 605
Bleecker Street before moving to its current location at 667 Bleecker
Street by Gennaro's wife Luigia in 1945; and

WHEREAS, Run by various local Italian families since its inception,
Rocco Vitullo and Gabe Alessandroni became the new owners in 1963, with
Gabriele Alessandroni becoming the sole owner 1973; his relatives,
Andrew and Debby Alesia, became the current owners in 1993; their son
Jared is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a pastry
chef, while their son Martin is the shop's cake decorator; and

WHEREAS, For 95 years, the Florentine Pastry Shop has offered its
loyal Utica area customers the finest quality foods and products, and
the highest standards of service while remaining a gathering place for
young and old alike and retaining the same old-time charm which has so
characterized its past; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Florentine Pastry Shop of Utica,
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Florentine Pastry Shop, Utica, New York.