LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Reverend Monsignor Jamie J. Gigan-
tiello upon the occasion of his designation by the Italian Board of
Guardians as the recipient of its IBG Humanitarian Award on May 11, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The
Reverend Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello, Pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven
Roman Catholic Church in Old Mill Basin, upon the occasion of his desig-
nation by the Italian Board of Guardians (IBG) as the recipient of its
2011 IBG Humanitarian Award; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Board of Guardians is a non-profit social
services agency; an affiliate of Catholic Charities (Diocese of Brooklyn
and Queens), and a member agency of United Way of New York City and of
the Human Services Council, it was founded in 1936 to address the
emotional, educational, and social needs of the Italian-American commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Each year IBG gratefully acknowledges those who support and
work on behalf of its worthy endeavors; The Reverend Monsignor Jamie J.
Gigantiello will be honored at the Italian Board of Guardians' Annual
Bishop's Gala and 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration, to be held at
Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York on Wednesday evening, May
11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, The Reverend Monsignor Jamie
J. Gigantiello has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraor-
dinary intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to
both his faith and his community; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his responsibilities as Pastor of Mary Queen
of Heaven in Old Mill Basin, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has named Monsig-
nor Gigantiello Vicar for Development and Director of the Office of
Parish Giving, which under his direction oversees all parish giving and
increased offering programs; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Gigantiello also serves as Executive Director for
the Diocese of Brooklyn's Annual Catholic Appeal and, as Vicar for
Development, he oversees the Alive In Hope Foundation, the Futures In
Education Foundation, and the Futures in Education Endowment Foundation
in addition to the Parish Giving Office; and
WHEREAS, Prior to studying for the priesthood, Monsignor Gigantiello
earned a degree in business from The City University of New York's
Baruch M. Baruch College and graduated from The Culinary Institute of
America; for ten years, he worked in New York City's hotel industry in
various managerial positions before entering Immaculate Conception Semi-
nary in Huntington, New York; and
WHEREAS, After his Ordination in 1995, Monsignor Gigantiello served as
Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick's Parish, Bay Ridge; five years later, he
was assigned to Mary Queen of Heaven Parish where, after serving as
Parochial Vicar for two years, he was installed as Pastor in April 2002;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to his parish responsibilities, Monsignor Gigan-
tiello remains active in numerous diocesan, community and city-wide
organizations and events; he continues to serve on the Coordinating
Committees for the Bishop's Annual Christmas Luncheon and the Futures in
Education annual Scholarship Dinner; he is the clergy moderator for the

C.Y.O. Classic Golf Outing held annually at the North Hills Country Club
as well, and he has served on a variety of civic and not-for-profit
boards, including the Board of Directors of MERCY FIRST; and
WHEREAS, Following September 11th, the New York City Police Department
made him an Honorary Chaplain in recognition of his work at Ground Zero
and he continues to receive numerous awards for his outstanding communi-
ty leadership; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Gigantiello, in addition, ministers as Chaplain to
the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, the New York City Tran-
sit and Corrections Officers, and the Columbian Association of New York;
he also serves as Spiritual Moderator for the Equestrian Order of the
Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre Eastern Lieutenancy of Brooklyn
and Queens and as Chaplain to area chapters of the Knights of Columbus,
the Columbiettes, and the Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, under the direction of Bishop Caggiano, Monsignor
Gigantiello assisted Monsignor Hernandez in coordinating the arrival and
departure ceremonies for the Holy Father at Kennedy Airport during the
Pope's visit to New York City; and
WHEREAS, He was also one of the leading members of Bishop DiMarzio's
Committee that raised funds for the Italian Chapel which was recently
dedicated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals who have distinguished themselves in their profession and have
faithfully served the needs of their community with diligence and
compassionate commitment to improving the quality and dignity of life in
the community are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated
and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Reverend Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello upon the occasion of
his designation by the Italian Board of Guardians as the recipient of
its 2011 IBG Humanitarian Award on May 11, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello.