Honor Reverend Sestito's 60th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1350 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on May 16, 2019 WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would 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 those individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on Thursday, May 16, 2019; and WHEREAS, Joseph N. Sestito was born to Joseph and Marianne Sestito in Rome, New York; after graduating from the Rome Free Academy, he attended both St. Andrew's Seminary and St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester, New York, and Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg, New York; he earned his degree in Theological Studies from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland; and WHEREAS, On May 16, 1959, Joseph N. Sestito was ordained into the priesthood by The Most Reverend James J. Navagh, D.D. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdensburg; and WHEREAS, Father Joseph N. Sestito began his long and distinguished career as an Assistant Pastor at St. Patrick's and St. Anthony's Parishes in Watertown, New York, and provided religious instruction at Immaculate Heart Academy; and WHEREAS, Father Joseph N. Sestito then continued his role as an Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Massena, New York, and St. Augustine's Church in Peru, New York; from 1964-1967, he was the Assistant Pastor for St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, New York; and WHEREAS, From 1967-1992, Father Joseph N. Sestito proudly served his country as a Chaplain in the United States Navy; throughout his tenure, he served at numerous naval stations including New River, North Carolina; Marine Aircraft Group 18/1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Vietnam; Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington; the USS "Bainbridge," Gulf of Tonkin; Alaska; Navy Chaplains School, Rhode Island; Great Lakes Training Center, Illinois; Navy Air Testing Center, and Patuxent River, Minnesota; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Father Joseph N. Sestito was awarded the Bronze Star on June 12, 1970; and WHEREAS, After retiring from the United States Navy in 1992, Father Joseph N. Sestito returned to the North Country, and served briefly as Temporary Administrator for St. Anthony's Church in Watertown, and then St. Martin's Church in Port Leyden, New York; upon his official retirement, he moved to Manlius, New York; 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 congratulate The Reverend Joseph N. Sestito upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on