Senate Resolution No. 4756

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Joseph W. Ricciardi posthumously upon
the occasion of his induction into the Port Jervis
School District Alumni Hall of Fame on October 8,
2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those distinguished citizens who devoted their time and
energies to the service of their community and profession, participating
in civic affairs and enhancing the character and quality of life for all
citizens; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Joseph W. Ricciardi posthumously upon the occasion of his
induction into the Port Jervis School District Alumni Hall of Fame,
celebrated at the 8th Annual Port Jervis School District Alumni Hall of
Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Erie
Trackside Manor in Port Jervis, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the Port Jervis School District Alumni Hall of
Fame recognizes individuals who have achieved personal success and have
made a significant contribution to society, serving as role models to
inspire current and future generations of Port Jervis students; a member
of the Class of 1936, Joseph W. Ricciardi is truly deserving of this
great honor; and

WHEREAS, Joseph William Ricciardi was born on April 15, 1915, in
Port Jervis; at the young age of eight, he began working for the Kissen
News Agency; in 1971, he officially retired from the newspaper
distributing company after more than five decades of service; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, Joseph W. Ricciardi married the former Grayce
Hardwick, and together, the couple raised seven children; Joseph and
Grayce owned and operated the Mayor's Corner, a popular store on
Pennsylvania Avenue in Matamoras; and

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Ricciardi proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Army during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Joseph W. Ricciardi held the
title of Mayor of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, for 31 years until his
retirement in 2002; he was also a member of the Matamoras Recreation
Committee and the Matamoras Planning Board, as well as Treasurer of the
Pike County Cooperative Office; and

WHEREAS, An avid sports fan, Joseph W. Ricciardi served as a referee
for Pop Warner Youth Football, and an umpire for various adult softball
leagues, and the Port Jervis Little League for more than 20 years; he
also enjoyed bowling in numerous leagues at Port Jervis Bowl, and in
1987, he was inducted into the Middletown Bowling Association Hall of
Fame for his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, This well-respected public servant and much loved gentleman
died in 2003, at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and
community service, a period of constructive involvement, Joseph W.
Ricciardi stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joseph W. Ricciardi posthumously upon the occasion of his
induction into the Port Jervis School District Alumni Hall of Fame on
October 8, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Joseph Ricciardi.