LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and valiant service of
Captain Matthew Porcari, who died in the line of duty on January 21,
2013

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, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; 34-year-old Matthew Porcari was one
such firefighter, who died doing what he loved; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Porcari, Captain of Owego Fire Department's Croton
Hose Company No. 3, lost his life while serving the community he loved,
on Monday, January 21, 2013; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Owego Free Academy, Matthew Porcari played
first base for the first team in the school's history to win the New
York State Baseball Championship; and
WHEREAS, Following in the footsteps of his father, John Porcari,
Matthew Porcari joined the Owego Fire Department at the age of 16; and
WHEREAS, A natural born leader, Matthew Porcari was employed by Broome
Developmental Center; Matt was an active member of New Life West Church;
and
WHEREAS, Matthew Porcari also brought great skill and dedication to
his craft as a mason, as evidenced through his meticulous work several
years ago when building a new section of an area middle school; and
WHEREAS, Described by all who knew him as a selfless man, Matthew
Porcari was someone who would enter a crowd of strangers and leave with
lifelong friends; and
WHEREAS, A husband, father and son, Matthew Porcari was a man who
inspired many and moved others to service in the fire department; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, John Porcari; paternal grandfa-
ther, Peter Porcari; maternal grandparents, Lester and Jeanne Dunham;
uncle, William Eschler, Matthew Porcari is survived by his wife, Christ-
ina Porcari; children, Tierney Walter, John Porcari, Alora Landis,
Nicole Landis, Jennifer Henneforth; mother, Cheryl Porcari and Andy
Hunt; sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and J.T. Bouchard; grandmother,
Beverly Porcari; aunts and uncles, Ronald and Missie Dunham; Lee and
Karen Dunham, Kathy Dunham, Patty Dunham Woodward; Sue Eschler and Steve
Baker; mother-in-law, Linda Clayton; several cousins and numerous
friends; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Porcari's Owego Fire Department family will always
remember this outstanding man for the hard work and dedication he showed
the fire company as well as the community, but most importantly, for his
quality of character; and
WHEREAS, During his life, Firefighter Matthew Porcari touched many
through his kindness and commitment to service; as we recall the loss of
this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the enormous
impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grate-
ful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
Captain Matthew Porcari, who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and valiant service of Captain Matthew Porcari, who
died in the line of duty on January 21, 2013, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Captain Matthew Porcari.