LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Eric J. Ierardi upon the occasion of his
retirement after 43 years of dedicated service as an educator

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Eric
J. Ierardi upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of dedi-
cated service as an educator; this auspicious occasion will be cele-
brated at a Luau on Friday, June 24, 2016, at Rex Manor Hall in Brook-
lyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Brooklyn, New York, and the son of immigrant
parents, Eric J. Ierardi earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint
Francis College in 1973; he began his career in academia teaching fifth
and seventh grade students at Saint Bartholomew School in Elmhurst, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Eric J. Ierardi became the Assistant to Borough
President Howard Golden, as Educational Assistant and Liaison to the
Roman Catholic Church; in addition, he served as a District Represen-
tative for Congressman Stephan Solarz in 1982; and
WHEREAS, After receiving a Master of Science degree in Administration
and Supervision in 1987, Eric J. Ierardi moved to Mississippi, where he
became Principal of Saint Francis Xavier School; years later, he
returned to Brooklyn and served as Principal at two additional Catholic
schools; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Eric J. Ierardi started with the New York City
Department of Education; presently, he is an Assistant Principal at I.S.
228 David A. Boody School for Magnet Studies, in Brooklyn, where he is
beloved by both students and staff; and
WHEREAS, A leader in his profession, Eric J. Ierardi is also a
passionate historian, who has written many books, including BROOKLYN IN
THE 1920'S and GRAVESEND: THE HOME OF CONEY ISLAND, both publications
heralding the incredible mosaic and rich heritage that resides within
the streets of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Eric J. Ierardi is the President and Founder of
The Gravesend Historical Society and is responsible for having several
historic homes and sites in Gravesend declared landmarks of New York
City, including the Gravesend Cemetery, the Coney Island Parachute, and
the Cyclone Roller Coaster Ride; and
WHEREAS, As an Honorary Mayor of Gravesham, England, Eric J. Ierardi
was presented with a Mayoral Medal for diplomatic service in uniting
Gravesend, Brooklyn, with Gravesend, England; and
WHEREAS, Eric J. Ierardi was knighted by His Royal Highness Prince
Victor Emmanuel IV of Savoy as "Commendatore", in the Order of Merit of
Savoy; he was also knighted by the Prince to the Order of Saints Maurice
and Lazarus; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Eric J. Ierardi was appointed by Prince Victor
Emmanuel IV as the United States delegate of both the Gruppo Savoia and
the Royal Honor Guards (Guardia D'Onore) to the Italian Royal family at
the royal tombs at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy; and

WHEREAS, Educators such as Eric J. Ierardi provide a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in
their future years; and
WHEREAS, Eric J. Ierardi has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of I.S. 228 David A. Boody School, as well as on the community-at-
large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impres-
sive dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Eric J. Ierardi has earned the admiration,
esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of individuals who work to support our proud tradition of public
education by providing their skills and talents to our schools, and to
commend the efforts of those individuals who seek to bring recognition
to historical places within the State of New York, and in doing so, help
to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved
and shared with present generations of citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Eric J. Ierardi upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years
of dedicated service as an educator; for his significant contributions
to education in New York State; and to wish him continued success in all
of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Eric J. Ierardi.