Honor Vincent Colonno Achievement

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.