Senate Resolution No. 1703

BY: Senator BIAGGI

MOURNING the death of Natalino Arrigoni, cherished
family man, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Natalino Arrigoni was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Natalino Arrigoni, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Natalino Arrigoni of the Bronx, New York, died on Tuesday,
December 21, 2021, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, Born the oldest child of Eugenio and Giovanna (Lina)
Arrigoni in New York City in 1934, Natalino Arrigoni was raised in
Piacenza, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina; and

WHEREAS, In Argentina, Natalino Arrigoni studied agriculture at the
university, during which time he became disenchanted with the Peron
politics and in 1958, he moved back to New York City, where he lived
with his Aunts Adele Magnani and Gina Schiavi; and

WHEREAS, Natalino Arrigoni worked in construction during the week
and spent his weekends working as a dishwasher at the Laurent Restaurant
to earn extra money; he soon began full time at the restaurant in
various roles, eventually becoming an owner with his childhood friend
Jimmy Rapacioli; and

WHEREAS, As owner, Natalino Arrigoni was responsible for buying all
the food for the restaurant; he spent many years leaving the house at 3
a.m. to go to the Fulton Fish market, Hunts Point food market, and
flower market; after he left the restaurant in 1991, he worked with his
son and son-in-law until he happily retired in 2009; and

WHEREAS, On October 7, 1961, Natalino Arrigoni and the former Anna
Prati were united in marriage; in 1965, the couple settled in Pelham
Bay, in the Bronx where they continued to reside until his death; and

WHEREAS, Although born in the United States, Natalino's heart was in
San Michele, Italy, where he spent the last 22 summers visiting his
childhood friends and relatives, and playing briscola while enjoying a
nice glass of Lambrusco, good coppa and formaggio; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the Societa Val Trebbia e Val Nure, Natalino
Arrigoni served as a Dance Chairman for many years and collected ads in
both New York and Italy for the Scholarship journal; he was the proud
recipient of awards from I Piacentini Nel Mondo and the Communita
Montana Valli del Nure e dell'Arda; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a husband to his wife of 60 years, as well as
a father to his two children, Rita (Philippe) and Eugene, and a
grandfather to his five beloved grandchildren, Stephanie, Marc, Michael,
Christopher and Jessica; and

WHEREAS, Natalino Arrigoni's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Natalino Arrigoni leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Natalino Arrigoni, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

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