LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Vincent V. Abate upon the occasion of
his designation by the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg as
the recipient of a Community Tribute Award at its 5th Annual Legislative
Breakfast on March 29, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals who distinguish themselves in their profession and
in service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Vincent V. Abate, Chairman of Brooklyn Community Board No. 1,
upon the occasion of his designation as the recipient of a Community
Tribute Award at the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg's 5th
Annual Legislative Breakfast on March 29, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1918, Vincent Abate is a lifelong resident of
Brooklyn's Greenpoint-Williamsburg community and a committed community
activist for more than 50 years; and
WHEREAS, After serving in the United States Army, he and his wife,
Rae, returned to Greenpoint, where they raised their two daughters,
Marie and Lorraine; Vincent Abate was the owner of Kist Beverages, which
manufactured and bottled carbonated beverages through the 1970s; he then
served as Commissioner of Deeds and as a Senior Clerk of the New York
State Supreme Court, Appellate Division in Brooklyn, all the while
continuing his efforts to improve the quality of life in Greenpoint and
Williamsburg to which he has dedicated his life; and
WHEREAS, As Chairman of Community Board No. 1 since 1980, Vincent
Abate has long and ably served as a dedicated, hardworking leader who
skillfully brings people together to improve the Greenpoint-Williamsburg
community, one of Brooklyn's most diverse neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Community Board No. 1, Vincent Abate has been
Chairman of Greenpoint Hospital Advisory Board, Greenpoint Hospital
Planning Board, and the New York City Cross Subsidy Fund, and President
of the Consolidated Civic Council, Williamsburg Volunteer Ambulance
Corps, Greenpoint Economic Development Corporation, Williamsburg Lodge
No. 144 Order Sons of Italy in America, Conselyea Street Block Associ-
ation, and School Settlement Association; and
WHEREAS, He has also served as Executive Officer of the Greenpoint-
Williamsburg Comprehensive Health Board, Winthrop Civic Association,
Federation of Italian American Organizations of Greenpoint/Williamsburg
and Brooklyn Association of Settlement Houses, and as a Delegate to the
Greenpoint Civic Council; and
WHEREAS, Vincent Abate is also a proud member of the American Legion
and was a Charter Member of Don Bosco Knights of Columbus; he has, in
addition, served many other organizations and associations in a variety
of capacities and has fittingly been honored many times for his commit-
ment and outstanding service to his beloved community; and
WHEREAS, Vincent V. Abate has distinguished himself in his profession
and in his community and truly merits the recognition of this Legisla-
tive Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Vincent V. Abate upon the occasion of his designation as the
recipient of the Community Tribute Award at the United Jewish Organiza-
tions of Williamsburg's 5th Annual Legislative Breakfast on March 29,
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Vincent V. Abate.