Honor Josephine C. Piracci

Senate Resolution No. 3477 BY: Senator MARCHIONE MOURNING the death of Josephine C. Piracci, family matriarch, beloved librarian, and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Josephine C. Piracci of Saratoga Springs, New York, died on Monday, January 1, 2018, at the age of 70; and WHEREAS, Josephine C. Piracci, affectionately known as Jo, was born to the late Frank C. Lauer and Janet (O'Brien) Lauer; she grew up on Long Island, and graduated from Commack High School, where she met her future husband, Ronald Piracci; and WHEREAS, In 1969, Jo C. Piracci earned her bachelor's degree in education from Immaculata College; in August of that year, she married Ronald, her loving husband of over 48 years; in 1974, she furthered her education by obtaining her Masters in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany; and WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci distinguished herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; and WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci served as a home economics teacher at Watervliet High School for six years, before taking time off to start her family; after the birth of her son Vincent, she began her career as a librarian taking a part time job at the Clifton Park Free Library in

2008; in this capacity, the library enjoyed a period of substantial growth including the expansion of the original building, the creation of the special library tax district, and the approval, design and construction of the current Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Building; and WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci was also instrumental in creating New York State's first green library; through her steadfast efforts, the library helped raise awareness about various environmental concerns; and WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci truly enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and many friends; she visited art museums and ballet performances with her daughter; talked on the telephone with her son on everything from sports, music, politics and literature; traveled the world with her husband; made crafts, read books and laughed with her grandchildren, and loved to eat delicious food, drink tea, watch movies, or discuss current events with her cherished friends; and WHEREAS, This remarkable woman will be remembered for her energy and kindness of spirit; her easy conversation was spurred by her genuine interest in each person she met; in addition, she always had a story and a smile, and if she thought she could help, she would; and WHEREAS, Josephine C. Piracci is survived by her husband, Ronald Piracci; one son, Vincent C. (Allison) Piracci; one daughter, Leah N. Piracci; two grandchildren, Sophia and Olivia; three sisters, Janet (Richard) Micieli, Virginia Lawler, and Mary Lauer; and two brothers-in-law, as well as two sisters-in-law, many cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, Josephine C. Piracci leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Josephine C. Piracci, family matriarch, beloved librarian, and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Josephine C. Piracci.