Senate Resolution No. 2078

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Vincent Colonno upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2017 Third Age
Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by
Senior Services of Albany

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Vincent Colonno upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2017 Third Age Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by Senior
Services of Albany, to be celebrated at its 21st Annual Third Age
Achievement Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 19, 2017, at Wolfert's Roost
Country Club, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious event recognizes the
contributions that area residents and professionals have made in their
communities during the Third Age of their lives; Vincent Colonno will
receive this award for his valuable achievements and devoted service to
his community after the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, As a child growing up on North Main Avenue in Albany, New
York, Vincent Colonno attended Blessed Sacrament Church and went
door-to-door selling subscriptions for The Evangelist in the city's west
end; his desire to help others stems back to shoveling sidewalks for
elderly neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating from the former Cardinal McCloskey High
School, Vincent Colonno earned an associate's degree from a junior
college while working on the construction of Albany's south mall in the
1970s; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Colonno began his illustrious career with Albany
County as a welfare examiner in 1974; after a promotion, he went back to
school and earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Empire State College and
a Master's degree in Public Administration from Sage College; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering dedication to his
profession, Vincent Colonno continued to climb the ranks, becoming
Commissioner for the Department for Aging in 2000; during this time he
was instrumental in the successful planning of a streamlined
transportation service and a long-term care council known as Albany
County NYConnects; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Colonno stepped down from his position as
Commissioner after nearly four decades of distinguished service to the
Albany County Department of Social Services; and

WHEREAS, Maintaining his commitment to helping others, Vincent
Colonno currently serves as CEO of Catholic Charities for the Albany
Diocese, a non-profit agency which delivers an array of human services
to more than 123,500 people in the Diocese annually; in this capacity,
he oversees the agency's budget and more than 1,000 employees across the
14 counties of the Diocese; and

WHEREAS, An avid New York Yankees and Syracuse Orange fan, Vincent
Colonno and his wife reside in Guilderland, New York, and attend All
Saints Catholic Church in Albany; 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 Vincent Colonno upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2017 Third Age Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by
Senior Services of Albany; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Vincent Colonno.