Senate Resolution No. 1138

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo upon the
occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding
Anniversary

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in paying
tribute to those flourishing marriages that have stood the test of time
to serve as a paradigm for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate
Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo upon the occasion of their 50th Wedding
Anniversary, celebrated on Saturday, May 10, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Richard J. Garofalo and the former Elvira M. Ritchie met in
1966 as teenagers and wrote letters as friends while Richard was serving
in the Air Force; upon his return home in 1971, the relationship between
the two became romantic; and

WHEREAS, Elvira M. Ritchie and Richard J. Garofalo were united in
marriage on May 10, 1975, at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Today, Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo are the proud parents of Lisa,
and the loving grandparents of Brendon; and

WHEREAS, Richard J. Garofalo worked for GAFB and Rome Labs for 38
years and retired in 2007; Elvira M. Garofalo worked for Rome Iron Mills
and Central New York DDSO and retired in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo are and always have been a tower of
strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and

WHEREAS, Their devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness to
their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo have lived and continue to live their
lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep
and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in doing so,
have inspired others to do the same; and

WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard
work and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and

WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and


WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a
milestone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an
occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should
be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo upon the occasion of celebrating
their 50th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo.