Honor Charlie Constantino

July 28, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charlie Constantino upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Sunday, July 28, 2019, with a Ceremony at the Hall, followed by a Banquet at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, New York; and WHEREAS, Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have excelled, and strives to preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Charlie Constantino is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and WHEREAS, Charlie Constantino grew up in Rochester, New York, where he was both a baseball and football star at East High School, graduating in 1957, with a college scholarship; and WHEREAS, After earning his degree from St. John Fisher College in

1961, Charlie Constantino moved to Oneida County where he began his esteemed career with Rome Laboratory; he and his wife raised their four children, and he continued to play baseball and softball for many years; and WHEREAS, Through his love for sports, Charlie Constantino diligently worked to better his community in numerous ways; he was instrumental in bringing the Empire State Games to Rome, the renovation of the Kennedy Arena, and the construction of the Larry DeLutis Baseball Complex which now consists of five world-class baseball diamonds, lights, dugouts, seating and parking for thousands, a press box, and concession stands; and WHEREAS, Charlie Constantino also arranged for Rome Catholic High School's athletic facilities to be improved and maintained, and helped procure a state-of-the-art scoreboard and several customized busses so the teams could travel to road games and tournaments; this generous man graciously hired and paid the drivers; and WHEREAS, In addition, Charlie Constantino sponsored and outfitted many youth sports teams, American Legion baseball teams, and adult slow pitch softball teams; and WHEREAS, Charlie Constantino has clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be 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 Charlie Constantino upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 28, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Charlie Constantino.