LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the accomplishments and celebrating the
life of former New York State Senator George Onorato

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of distinguished purpose whose lives have been
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of former New York State Senator George Onora-
to, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments;
and
WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato, who served western Queens as a member
of the New York State Senate from 1983-2010, passed away on Saturday,
February 21, 2015, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, A life-long resident of Queens, New York, George Onorato was
the youngest of five children born to Italian immigrants, Maria Racana
and Biagio Onorato, on November 5, 1928; and
WHEREAS, Before graduating from Long Island City High School, George
Onorato attended both Public School 84, and Junior High School 141 in
Queens; and
WHEREAS, George Onorato proudly served his country as a member of the
118th Medical Battalion in the United States Army from 1950-1952; he was
recognized with the prestigious Presidential Citation for his extraor-
dinary heroism in action against an armed enemy; and
WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge from the Military, George Onora-
to held the position of Secretary/Treasurer of Bricklayer's Local No. 41
for 15 years; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, George Onorato was elected to the esteemed seat of
New York State Senator; throughout his legislative career, he was a
strong advocate for New York's working families, consumers, senior citi-
zens, veterans, and young people; as Chairman of the Senate Standing
Committee on Labor, he was able to draw on his extensive experience with
organized labor to address the needs of working men and women throughout
New York; and
WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato was particularly interested in ensur-
ing better access to health care for all New Yorkers, improving educa-
tional opportunities for children and college students in New York City
and throughout the State, and spurring job creation, as well as develop-
ing more equitable tax policies; and
WHEREAS, An advocate for environmental conservation, Senator George
Onorato strived to reform energy laws to ensure adequate power supplies,
promote greater air quality protection, and enhance conservation meas-
ures; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Senator George Onorato championed efforts to
make New York State government operations more open and accountable to
the public; and
WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato played a role in shaping many major
New York laws that were enacted over his 25 years of service as a member
of the Senate Minority leadership team and later as Assistant Majority
Leader/Liaison to the Executive Branch; he also was both a past Treasur-
er and President of the Conference of Italian-American Legislators; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Senator George Onorato was instru-
mental in building an Aquatic center for the Boys and Girls Club in
Astoria, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Senator George Onorato received the distinguished
Ellis Island Medal of Honor by fulfilling the American Dream through his

personal accomplishments and dedicated service to his beloved Queens
community; and
WHEREAS, The passing of Senator George Onorato, a deeply respected and
highly regarded public servant, will be deeply felt in the New York
State Legislature and in the communities he served with such passion and
devotion; and
WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato distinguished himself by his sincere
dedication and substantial contributions to the welfare of those he so
diligently represented for nearly 40 years; his unprecedented record of
service to the people of western Queens leaves an enduring legacy that
few will surpass, yet many will emulate; and
WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato was a gentleman who was dedicated to
his constituency and to the belief that government can be a positive
force for improving people's lives; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife Josephine Onorato, and his
second wife, Athena Georgakakos, Senator George Onorato is survived by
his three children, Joanne, George, and Janice; six grandchildren,
Sophia, Anastasia, Joseph, Mia, George, and Louis; and two great-grand-
children, Cameron and Skylar; and
WHEREAS, Loyal friend, trusted advisor and ardent fighter for the
causes in which he so strongly believed, the accomplishments of Senator
George Onorato are legend; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the accomplishments and celebrate the life and extraordinary
achievements of former Senator George Onorato, recognizing the signif-
icance of his exemplary record of public service and dedicating
ourselves anew to the causes and people he served; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of former Senator George Onorato.