LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gerald Didio upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition as the oldest member of the Utica
Comity Club

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Gerald Didio upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion as the oldest member of the Utica Comity Club; and
WHEREAS, The oldest member of the Utica, New York, Comity Club, Gerald
"Gerry" Didio was born in Utica, New York, on February 28, 1910; he was
the fourth of seven children of Michael and Grazia Didio; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Utica Free Academy in 1928, Gerry Didio was the
Captain of the baseball team; and
WHEREAS, Gerry Didio was instrumental in promoting sports programs for
the youth of Utica; he was active in the Utica Sports Boosters, serving
on a committee which first brought Little League baseball to the City,
and was the founder and first president of the Cornhill Youth Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Gerry Didio was influential in persuading the
City of Utica to convert a dumping ground on Arthur Street into the
famous O'Connor Playground; and
WHEREAS, A committed citizen of Utica, Gerry Didio became interested
and active in the affairs of senior citizens; as chairperson of a
subcommittee on aging, he assisted in the establishment of Senior Day
Centers in North Utica, East Utica and at the Adrean Terrace; and
WHEREAS, Gerry Didio was the owner of Gerald's Men Shop in downtown
Utica for 32 years; he also was a former President of the Downtown Utica
Merchants Association; and
WHEREAS, A prominent sports official as a member of the Mohawk Valley
Umpires Association, Gerry Didio was also a talented violinist, and a
member of the Utica Symphony Orchestra for 60 years; he played with the
Con Amore Strings and the Little Falls, New York, Symphony, as well; and
WHEREAS, Married to the late Lena Camarata Didio, Gerry and his wife
were the proud parents of three attractive daughters, Grace, Paula and
Mary Lou; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and commend those who have witnessed and contributed to the devel-
opments and achievements of our Nation, State, and communities over the
course of their noteworthy lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gerald Didio upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as the oldest member of the Utica Comity Club; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gerald Didio.