Honor Alfonso Squillante

Senate Resolution No. 1171 BY: Senator PHILLIPS COMMENDING Alfonso Squillante upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons of Italy in America 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 commend Alfonso Squillante upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons of Italy in America, to be celebrated at its 48th Annual Scholarship/Charitable Benefit Dinner Dance on Friday, March 31, 2017, at the Chateau Briand in Westbury, New York; and WHEREAS, Alfonso Squillante is being honored for his demonstrated commitment to advancing the mission and purpose of Cellini Lodge No.

2206 and for his continued support of the Italian American community; during this auspicious event, members of the Cellini Lodge No. 2206 will recognize the Immediate Past President of the Lodge in a salute to "Buon Cibo, Buon Vino, Buoni Amici"; and WHEREAS, In addition, Cellini Lodge No. 2206 will celebrate the 112th Year of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) by recognizing their outstanding achievements since its inception in 1968; and WHEREAS, Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons of Italy in America is one of the largest lodges of OSIA in New York State; for 49 years it has demonstrated its commitment to the New Hyde Park, New York, community, promoting education, culture, and charitable giving; and WHEREAS, A native New Yorker, Alfonso Squillante is a proud Italian American who has been dedicated to serving Cellini Lodge No. 2206 since he joined in November of 2006; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Astoria, New York, Alfonso Squillante attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and Long Island City High School; after graduation, he earned his degree in Corporate Finance from the Empire State College; and WHEREAS, Alfonso Squillante furthered his education by obtaining a second degree in Industrial Labor Relations with concentration on International Finance from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations; and WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Alfonso Squillante began working at Cornell University in the Labor Studies department; within two years, he became Head Registrar for the Labor Studies group working very closely with the head of the Labor Department as well as the various unions throughout New York and New Jersey; and WHEREAS, In 1992, Alfonso Squillante accepted a position as Accounts Payable Supervisor for Polygram Records a division of Motown/Mercury Corporation; in July of 2002, he began working at Estee Lauder Companies LTD as the Canadian Accounts Payable Supervisor; he quickly rose through the ranks, holding several positions including Accounts Payable Manager Canada, Accounts Payable Manager Canada and New York, Corporate Accounts Payable Manager, and Senior North American Payable Manager; and WHEREAS, Since December of 2013, Alfonso Squillante has held the title of Senior Accounts Payable Manager at Dealertrack Technologies Inc., in Lake Success, New York; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Alfonso Squillante is a proud and vital member of John Street School PTA in Franklin Square, New York, and serves as Gift Ambassador with the Make-A-Wish Foundation where he organizes wish baskets for sick children; and WHEREAS, Alfonso Squillante's ancestry can be traced back to Sarno, Provence of Salerno in the Campania region of Italy; his father, Salvatore came to New York with his parents and brothers and sisters in

1968, looking for a better life in the same way that so many others come to America to search for freedom and independence, both financially as well as economically; and WHEREAS, Growing up as a Squillante child was a blessing; each summer Alfonso's parents would take their children back to Italy for the summers to spend time with family as well as absorb the culture and the language; and WHEREAS, In addition to his strong Italian family heritage, Alfonso Squillante has family ties within the Cellini family; his father and brother Luigi Squillante have held various positions within Cellini Lodge as well as New York State Grand Lodge; and WHEREAS, Alfonso Squillante has also held many offices within Cellini Lodge including Financial Secretary, Orator, Second and First Vice President, and President; he has also served as a Director, Vice President of the Cellini Charitable Foundation, Inc., and was a valuable asset to many Cellini Lodge committees such as fundraising, adult and children Christmas parties, Thanksgiving Social, Football Wedding, King/Queen Pageant, Scholarship Dinner Dance and most importantly, he held the title of Feast co-Chair from 2009-2012, and then Chairperson from 2013-2014; and WHEREAS, On the state level, Alfonso Squillante served as District II liaison for the OSIA's Alzheimer's Foundation, and was the Chair of the District II Presidents' meetings; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, the former Rosa Anna LoPresti, and their three children, Massimo Salvatore, Juliana Emma and Matteo Antonio, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, 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 commend Alfonso Squillante upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons of Italy in America; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Alfonso Squillante.