LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Melvin Pereira, longtime
firefighter, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Pereira, a 23-year member of the Meadowmere Park Fire
Department, died on December 30, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Pereira distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Pereira met his future wife in 1979, while working at
the Brookhaven Nursing Home in Far Rockaway; Irene was a licensed prac-
tical nurse and Melvin was working in the facility's housekeeping
department; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Pereira was a valued congregant of St. Joachim R.C.
Church in Cedarburst, where he was the Sexton in charge of maintenance;
and
WHEREAS, An avid fisherman who made his own lures, Melvin Pereira was
at home on the waters off the Rockaway; all summer he fished on the
weekends for fluke, flounder and striped bass; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by three brothers, Melvin Pereira is survived by
his wife of 31 years, Irene; his seven children, Nilsa, Minerva, Melvin,
Anthony, Annmarie, Justin, and Melvin, Jr.; and nine grandchildren; as
well as three sisters, Melinda, Olga and Maria; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Melvin Pereira leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Melvin Pereira, longtime firefighter, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Melvin Pereira.