LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Anthony Merendino, distin-
guished 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, Anthony Merendino, a retired New York Police Department
Mounted Unit officer, businessman and member of the New York State
Senate staff, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2014, at the age of
83; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, Anthony Merendino later moved to
Sunnyside, New York, where he raised his family; in 1999, he relocated
from Staten Island to Little Egg Harbor in New Jersey and settled in
Monroe Township in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Merendino served his country as a member of the
United States Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of
Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Merendino owned and operated the A&A Auto School on
Staten Island for more than 10 years; and
WHEREAS, For 23 years, Anthony Merendino served as an officer in the
esteemed NYPD Mounted Unit; furthermore, he served for 13 years as a
trusted aide and advisor to the Ranking Minority Member on the New York
State Senate Finance Committee, Donald Halperin, and then went on to
work in a similar capacity for former State Senator Donald Halperin
during his tenure as Commissioner of the New York State Division of
Housing and Community Renewal; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Merendino distinguished himself in his profession
through his sincere dedication and substantial contributions to the
welfare of his community and State; wherever Anthony Merendino went in
his career, his colleagues relied on him for his unwavering commitment
to the job at hand, loyalty and companionship; and
WHEREAS, The patriarch of a large family, Anthony Merendino was a
dedicated husband and father who enjoyed swimming, listening to music,
and discussing current events, world history and politics; he was known
as a very charismatic man who was beloved by his family and many
friends; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 50 years, the former Jacquelyn
Walker, Anthony Merendino is survived by his five daughters, Teresa,
Debra, Christi, Jodi and Lori; and his two sons, Tony and Ricci; as well
as 16 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, an infectious laugh and sense of humor, Anthony Merendino
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 and celebrate the life of Anthony Merendino, distin-
guished 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 Anthony Merendino.