Honor Reverend LaFache’s 50th Jubilee

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.