LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Riley upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished
Service Award by the Sister Maureen Joyce Center on February 9, 2016

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
Riley upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Sister
Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award by the Sister Maureen Joyce
Center to be celebrated at its 4th Annual Dinner at Century House,
Latham, New York, on Tuesday, February 9, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award is given
annually to persons, organizations, and businesses which have demon-
strated commitment to the spirit of the Sister Maureen Joyce Center
through their outreach or advocacy on behalf of the poor and vulnerable;
and
WHEREAS, The Sister Maureen Joyce Center is a collaborative project
between Catholic Charities, Blessed Sacrament Parish, the Ladies of
Charity, and Congregation Beth Emeth, which provides members of its
community with basic necessities such as food, health care, and mentor-
ing services for young people; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Albany, New York, John Riley attended
Vincentian Institute; after graduation, he earned his bachelor's degree
in Architecture from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, After receiving his degree, John Riley returned to his home-
town to practice his trade; in 1997, he and his partner Dick Hoffman
founded the firm of Hoffman & Riley, Architects; and
WHEREAS, John Riley married his wife, Diane, and they happily raised
five children, three of which are also graduates of both Albany Diocese
parochial schools and Catholic Colleges; and
WHEREAS, John Riley and his wife are faithful congregants at Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church, Albany, New York, where they are proud
participants of the Parish's outreach programs and assist in serving
those who are less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Together, the couple are actively involved with both the
Wildwood and Living Resources developmental programs which serve the
needs of two of his children; and
WHEREAS, Currently, John Riley serves on the Academy of Holy Names
Board of Directors where he chairs the Facility Committee, and the Alba-
ny Diocesan Architecture and Building Commission, as well as the Blessed
Sacrament Parish Council; and
WHEREAS, John and Diane Riley also volunteer their time and energies
at the Sister Maureen Center; in addition, Hoffman & Riley has been
involved in a number of other diocesan projects including the recently
relocated Bishop Maginn High School; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which John Riley 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 community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Riley upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award by the Sister
Maureen Joyce Center on February 9, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Riley.