Senate Resolution No. 1365

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Michael J. DiMeo upon the occasion of
his induction into the 2025 Oneida County Historical
Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on
November 6, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of their areas; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Michael J. DiMeo upon the occasion of his induction into the
2025 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame, to be celebrated on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Oneida
County History Center in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Oneida County History Center, a private not-for-profit
educational institution, is dedicated to preserving the history,
heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley for present and
future generations; each year, it proudly honors outstanding citizens
whose lifelong contributions have significantly enhanced the community
through the Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends Celebration; and

WHEREAS, A distinguished member of the 2025 class of Living Legends,
Michael J. DiMeo of New Hartford, New York, has earned the admiration
and respect of colleagues, students, and community members alike for his
extraordinary dedication to music, education, and civic life; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Notre Dame High School and the Crane School
of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Michael DiMeo devoted more than three decades
to music education, most notably as band director at New Hartford Senior
High School, where he inspired countless students to pursue excellence
across a wide range of musical genres; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished trumpeter and conductor, Michael DiMeo has
performed with celebrated ensembles including La Banda Rossa,
Classified, the Utica Symphony Orchestra, the Schenectady Symphony
Orchestra, the Four Tops, the Temptations, and the Jimmy Dorsey
Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Michael DiMeo's leadership has profoundly shaped the
musical landscape of the Mohawk Valley and beyond; he has directed the
New Hartford Citizens' Band for 49 years, the Utica University Concert
Band for more than three decades, and became the first conductor of the
Half Moon Orchestra in 2022; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his lifelong contributions to the art of
music and the advancement of musical education, Michael DiMeo has
previously been inducted into both the National Buglers Hall of Fame and
the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. DiMeo's remarkable achievements reflect his
unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, discipline, and community
spirit through music, leaving an enduring legacy of inspiration for
generations to come; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of citizenship, and whose dedication to excellence and service
enrich the fabric of our society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michael J. DiMeo upon the occasion of his induction into the
2025 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame, recognizing his exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and
devotion to music and community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael J. DiMeo.