Senate Resolution No. 590

BY: Senator COONEY

commending Dan DiClemente for his many years of
dedicated service to the Rochester City School
District

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who demonstrate great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Dan DiClemente
is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dan
DiClemente for his many years of dedicated service to the Rochester City
School District; and

WHEREAS, Dan DiClemente is a former member of Glaziers Local 677 of
the Rochester Building Trades; he worked in the Rochester City School
District (RCSD) Carpentry Department for nine years, and served as a
Trustee before being elected in 2002 as the President of BENTE Local
2419, which represents 1,250 support staff at RCSD; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Dan DiClemente has worked tirelessly to
uphold members' rights through organizing demonstrations outside Central
Office and City Hall, delivering speeches to the Board of Education,
City Council, and the State, forging community and political alliances,
and negotiating the past five collective bargaining agreements; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to public
service, Dan DiClemente established "The BENTE Informer" newsletter and
website, BENTE Day, radio and television commercials, and the BENTE
student scholarship, bolstering the image of the members at every turn;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as President of BENTE, Dan
DiClemente is an active member of the Rochester Area Labor Council
Executive Board, as well as President of AFSCME NY Council 66 where he
has managed the daily operations and set the long-term vision for the
Council since 2017, and he is a current International Vice President of
AFSCME; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong union member and a glazier by trade, Dan
DiClemente is a passionate advocate for working families, and has spent
the past three decades ensuring the success, safety, and growth of his
beloved community of Rochester, New York; and

WHEREAS, Dan DiClemente was named a 2023 State Labor Power 100, an
esteemed recognition which identifies the top union leaders across the
State of New York who are fighting for better pay, demanding safer

working conditions, and standing up for members in a wide range of
industries and sectors; and

WHEREAS, Outside of work, Dan DiClemente enjoys spending time with
his family, traveling and watching baseball; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 32 years, Laura,
and their two daughters, Stephanie and Katie, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Dan DiClemente over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dan DiClemente for his commitment to AFSCME Council 66 and the
labor movement, and for his many years of dedicated service to the
Rochester City School District; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dan DiClemente.