Honor Francesco Pedulla

Senate Resolution No. 922 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING Francesco Pedulla upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. on March 26, 2017 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; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Francesco Pedulla upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. to be celebrated at its 40th Annual Gala on Sunday, March

26, 2017; and WHEREAS, The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. (FIAO) is a community based organization assisting individuals and families in the Italian-American community; and WHEREAS, The owner of Pedulla Ceramic Tiles, Inc., Francesco Pedulla has spent more than 45 years helping families throughout the tri-state area beautify their homes; and WHEREAS, Francesco Pedulla was born on January 18, 1948, in Sidemo Marina in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy, the youngest of nine children to his parents Elisabetta and Girolamo; he was raised in Sidemo until the age of nine, when he was sent off to live with his older sister in Torino for a better life; and WHEREAS, In 1969, at the age of 21, Francesco Pedulla and his older brother headed to the United States in pursuit of the American dream; just one decade later, Pedulla Ceramic Tile, Inc. was established as a little shop on Brooklyn's 60th Street and 20th Avenue; this was the start of what would later become a leading retail corporation; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to creating a better future for his family, Francesco Pedulla worked tirelessly and opened his second tile store on 20th Avenue in 1984; this immense 3,000 square foot store became the meeting place for architects, builders and clients; and WHEREAS, An active member of the Verrazano Rotary Club, Francesco Pedulla has helped raise countless funds to provide humanitarian service to the less fortunate and build peace in the world; and WHEREAS, Francesco Pedulla is the proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 2014 Successful Businessman Award from the National Federation of Italian-American Societies, Inc.; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 48 years, Anna Maria, and their three children, Vincent (Svetlana), Daniela (Louis), and Giancarlo, as well as seven grandchildren, Gabriela, Francesco, Leonardo, Vincenzo, Michael, Gianfranco and Sabrina, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Francesco Pedulla upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. on March 26, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Francesco Pedulla.