LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending John Regan upon the occasion of his
designation as the 2015 Italian American of the Year by the New York
Conference of Italian American State Legislators

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who foster
ethnic pride and strive to preserve their cultural heritage, thereby
enhancing the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric
of community throughout this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
John Regan upon the occasion of his designation as the 2015 Italian
American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian American
State Legislators to be celebrated on June 8, 2015, in Albany, New York;
and
WHEREAS, John Regan, also known as Della Chiesa, is an American musi-
cian, songwriter, producer and bassist; his paternal Nonno, Bartolomeo
Della Chiesa, was a native of the small town of Leni, on Isola Salina
off the coast of Sicily, and emigrated to America in the 1890s; and
WHEREAS, One of the greatest Rock and Roll bass guitar players in
America, John Regan has recorded and performed with Peter Frampton since
1979; he has also recorded music with The Rolling Stones, Billy Idol,
and David Lee Roth, and performed on the famous single version of "Danc-
ing in the Streets" with David Bowie and Mick Jagger; and
WHEREAS, A resident of the Village of Wappingers Falls, New York, this
esteemed artist has proudly served his community as both a member and
Chairman of the Parks Commission for over 20 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, John Regan has served as a founding Trustee of
the Dr. Edwin A. Ulrich Charitable Trust which has raised significant
funds for scholarships to Marist College, and SUNY New Paltz students
pursuing Business, Music and Art degrees; and
WHEREAS, Today, John Regan still tours the world and records music; he
recently returned from a 30 city tour of the UK with the legendary Billy
J. Kramer; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, John Regan is the host of "Cafe Italia," a one-
hour show which is broadcast in New York's Hudson Valley, celebrating
the Italian culture through music and inspiring listeners to recall fond
memories growing up in an Italian household; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, John Regan achieved a lifelong dream of obtaining
his Italian citizenship; he is looking forward to spending a good deal
of quality time in Italy with his wife of more than 40 years, Cathy; and
WHEREAS, John Regan has truly distinguished himself through his
wonderful career and service to others, and, subsequently, the Italian-
American community and all of New York State has profited greatly from
his talent and dedication; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John Regan upon the occasion of his designation as the 2015
Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian Amer-
ican State Legislators; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Regan.