LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Phil Cornacchia upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Phil Cornacchia was born on February 10, 1916, on the corner
of First and Catherine Streets in Utica, New York; this momentous occa-
sion will be celebrated on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at St. Mary of
Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament; and
WHEREAS, Growing up during the Great Depression, Phil Cornacchia has
lived through World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, two wars in Iraq, and
Afghanistan; he has lived through the administration of 17 of 44 United
States presidents, and has witnessed all 27 of the New York Yankees'
Championships; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Phil Cornacchia met his beloved wife, the late Margaret
Cornacchia, in Easy Springs on Lincoln Avenue in 1938; the couple was
married for 69 wonderful years, during which time they raised their two
children, Philip D. and Donna; and
WHEREAS, Working all of his life, Phil Cornacchia sold newspapers and
worked at Chanatry's and Murad's as a child to help his family; he spent
a year and a half at the Civilian Conservation Corp., and worked at
Roger's game farm in Sherburne where he planted duck farms and fought
forest fires; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Phil Cornacchia served as a counter man at
Bagg's Square, and spent four decades on the railroad beginning in 1941;
and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong member of St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacra-
ment, Phil Cornacchia has been an usher for the church since 1942, and
attends mass every Sunday; and
WHEREAS, This beloved man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Phil Cornacchia upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Phil Cornacchia.