Honor 65th Wedding Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1763 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch upon the occasion of celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in paying tribute to those flourishing marriages that have stood the test of time to serve as a paradigm for present and future generations; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch upon the occasion of their 65th Wedding Anniversary; the couple celebrated this milestone on May 29, 2019, at their home with their children and grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Leonard Gratch and the former Elizabeth Darcangelo were united in marriage on May 29, 1954, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Rome, New York; the ceremony was officiated by the Reverend Victor Ciaciarelli and their attendants were: Maid of Honor, Midgie Vaccaro; Best Man, Archie Gratch; and Ushers, John Rizzuto and Kenneth Rizzuto; and WHEREAS, Elizabeth wore a gown of white nylon tulle, rose point lace, long pointed sleeves and bouffant skirt of tiered drifts and tulle embroidered with sequins as well as a fingertip illusion veil and matching cap; she carried a prayer book with a white orchid; and WHEREAS, Breakfast immediately followed at the home of Lillian and Henry Rizzuto; the reception was then held at The Stanwix Hotel; the bride and groom honeymooned with a trip through Canada and Old Forge; and WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of 11 children, Mary, Charles, Camille, Susan, Leonard, Lisa, David, Paula, Vincent, Christopher, and Lawrence, and the loving grandparents of 27 grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch are and always have been a tower of strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family; and WHEREAS, Their devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and tradition; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch have lived and continue to live their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones, producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch have touched the lives of their family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage, which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess for one another; and WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a milestone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch upon the occasion of celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gratch.