Senate Resolution No. 968

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of
steadfast and unwavering service as Chaplain of the
Utica Police and Fire Departments

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of outstanding moral character and distinguished
service who dedicate their lives to the spiritual and civic well-being
of their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of steadfast and unwavering service
as Chaplain to the Utica Police and Fire Departments, and to recognize
and celebrate the milestone of his 45th Anniversary of Ordination to the
Priesthood; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Salerno was born on June 2, 1948, the third child of
John S. and Genevieve R. (Giglio) Salerno, and was ordained to the
priesthood for the Diocese of Syracuse on May 3, 1980; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Salerno received his Bachelor of Arts degree in
Sociology from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and earned a
Master of Divinity from the University of St. Michael's College in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada; although much of his seminary formation was
with the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, he was ordained for the
Diocese of Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his ministry, Father Salerno has served
faithfully in various parishes throughout Central New York, including
Endicott, Binghamton, Lee Center, Utica, and New Hartford; and

WHEREAS, He served as Pastor of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in
Utica from 1991 until 2002, and since 2002 has ministered as Pastor of
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica; in 2014, he provided administrative
leadership to St. John's Parish in New Hartford until the appointment of
a new pastor in 2015; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Father Salerno assumed additional pastoral
responsibilities for Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in New Hartford, and
under his guidance and dedication, the parishes of Lourdes and Rosary
were united to form Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish; and

WHEREAS, For the past 25 years, Father Salerno has served with
compassion, honor, and integrity as Chaplain to the Utica Police and
Fire Departments, offering spiritual guidance, emotional support, and a
steady presence to first responders and their families in times of
crisis, grief, and celebration; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his ministry, Father Salerno has also had a
profound impact on the next generation of clergy, having mentored
numerous seminarians from across the Diocese of Syracuse who served
under his guidance and pastoral example on their journey to the

priesthood, many of whom credit his wisdom, support, and leadership as
instrumental in their formation; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his pastoral duties, Father Salerno has offered his
leadership and service on the boards of several community organizations,
including Notre Dame Schools, Catholic Charities, Hope House, and the
former St. Joseph's Nursing Home; he has also served as Regional Vicar
of the Greater Utica Area Diocese, and currently serves as Chair of the
Board of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; and

WHEREAS, A man of many interests and enduring energy, Father Salerno
enjoys music, reading, theatre, running the Boilermaker Road Race,
indulging in ice cream, and faithfully cheering on the Buffalo Bills;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the individual who combines such unwavering
commitment to faith, community, and public service, and Father Joseph
Salerno stands as a shining example of devotion, humility, and
leadership; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of exemplary service as
Chaplain to the Utica Police and Fire Departments, and to extend to him
its deepest appreciation and best wishes for continued health and
happiness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Joseph Salerno.