LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joe LaRuffa upon the occasion of his
induction into the Fallsburg Central School District Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those distinguished citizens who devote their time and ener-
gies to the service of their community and profession, participating in
civic affairs and enhancing the character and quality of life for all
citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joe
LaRuffa upon the occasion of his induction into the Fallsburg Central
School District Hall of Fame; the Induction Ceremony will take place at
the High School Graduation Ceremony, on Sunday, June 29, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Fallsburg Central School District Hall of Fame honors
those members of its community who have made extraordinary contributions
and experienced exceptional success, recognizing individuals who exem-
plify the highest standards of citizenship, leadership, ethical conduct,
and moral character; and
WHEREAS, Retired long-time educator Joe LaRuffa is such an individual;
during and after his illustrious 30-year tenure as a music teacher, this
dedicated man had a tremendous impact on music education in his district
and the State of New York, and transformed the lives of hundreds of
Fallsburg Central School District (FCSD) students; and
WHEREAS, Joe LaRuffa graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 1940; he
earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master's
degree from Columbia University, and served his country as a member of
the United States Army during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Joe LaRuffa taught music in the Fallsburg Central School
District from 1954 to 1984, and directed the FCSD Band through 22 band
competitions; from 1955 to 1968 the band received ratings of A and high-
er; and
WHEREAS, In addition, under Joe LaRuffa's directorship, the FCSD Band
played at the commencement ceremony for Sullivan County Community
College in 1965, and had the honor of playing for President Lyndon John-
son in 1966; and
WHEREAS, Joe LaRuffa won the Outstanding Secondary Educator Award in
1975; and
WHEREAS, A committed educator who thought beyond the bounds of his
community, Joe LaRuffa created the Empire State Music Camp in Hurley-
ville, New York, in the early 1960s; and
WHEREAS, He also served as the Fundraising Chairman of the Hertz Scho-
larship, which later became the Hertz-LaRuffa Scholarship; for 40 years
he raised funds for this worthy endeavor, which provided much needed
financial support to many FCSD students; and
WHEREAS, Joe LaRuffa served the larger community in other ways; he was
Secretary of the Hurleyville Fire Department from 1961 to 1972, and
served as a Town of Fallsburg Councilman from 1969 to 1985; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Joe LaRuffa has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Joe LaRuffa has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their profession and community,
and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence, certainly

have earned the recognition and applause of all citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joe LaRuffa upon the occasion of his induction into the Fallsburg
Central School District Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joe LaRuffa.