Senate Resolution No. 5025

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING The Reverend Anthony LaFache upon the
occasion of his 50th Jubilee to be celebrated on May
20, 2018

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The
Reverend Anthony LaFache upon the occasion of his 50th Jubilee to be
celebrated on Sunday, May 20, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Anthony LaFache was born on March 10, 1938, in Albany, New
York; at the young age of five, he and his family moved to an Italian
neighborhood in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Anthony LaFache lived across the street from St. Mary of
Mt. Carmel, which was located in the center of a Parish Convent, a
school, a Parish, a Parish gymnasium, and a rectory; it was in this
place, that he received his calling to the priesthood; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1956, Anthony
LaFache attended the Simmons School of Science and Embalming at Utica
College of Syracuse University; later, he studied philosophy at Hartford
University; he completed his studies for the Catholic priesthood at St.
Bonaventure; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1968, Anthony LaFache was ordained at the
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with a master's degree in
Divinity; and

WHEREAS, Father Anthony LaFache's first appointment was at St.
Matthew's in East Syracuse, New York; after three and one-half years, he
was assigned to St. John's in Utica, where he served as an Associate
Pastor and taught at Utica Catholic Academy; and

WHEREAS, Father Anthony LaFache next assumed the position of
Chairperson of the Religion Department at Notre Dame High School; he
then became Assistant Pastor and Pastor at St. Anthony's; in addition to
his duties at the church, he served as Chaplain of Masonic Home; and

WHEREAS, Today, Father Anthony LaFache is the Chaplain at St.
Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica; and

WHEREAS, Father Anthony LaFache has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,

while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Anthony LaFache upon the occasion of his 50th
Jubilee to be celebrated on May 20, 2018, noting his unremitting and
compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his
community, and extending to him heartfelt best wishes for a future of
continued purposeful success and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Anthony LaFache.