Honor Leonard N. Spano

Senate Resolution No. 922 BY: Senator MAYER MOURNING the death of Leonard N. Spano WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by the faithful and caring efforts of those who devote their life to public service; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body must record the passing of one of New York State's most distinguished citizens, the beloved and respected Leonard N. Spano, of Yonkers, New York, who died on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at the age of 88; the humble work of this quiet gentleman most certainly benefitted, in one way or another, every citizen in Westchester County; and WHEREAS, Born on August 5, 1930, to Nicholas and Mary Spano, Leonard N. Spano was one of four children who grew up in southwest Yonkers; he attended St. Peter's School and worked alongside his father, who emigrated from Italy, learning the family's ice and coal business; and WHEREAS, When refrigeration prevailed, the business became the Spano Fuel Company where Leonard worked as a licensed oil-burner installer and then as vice president of the company; and WHEREAS, At the age of 19, Leonard N. Spano enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.; he served for three years during the Korean Conflict before being honorably discharged; and WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano met his wife, the former Josephine Scott, at the age of 18, and the two married in 1952; the couple's first child, Nicholas, was born in 1953 and by 1975, Leonard and Josephine were the proud parents to 16 children; and WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano became interested in public service in

1996 NewYork Times article, Leonard attributed his success to his strong family roots, saying, "I attribute my winning elections to the good name that was made by my father and his brothers. They didn't have any education. But they knew the value of friendship, respect and hard work."; and WHEREAS, During his 34 years in elected office, Leonard N. Spano helped shape policy in Westchester County; as Budget Chairman of the County Board of Legislators, he was instrumental in transforming the Westchester Medical Center into the tertiary care facility that serves the Hudson Valley today; and WHEREAS, He also spearheaded Westchester's Handgun Record-Keeping Accountability Act as County Clerk, which improved the process of tracking legally obtained handguns in Westchester County; and WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Leonard N. Spano remained active in many local organizations, including the Sons of Italy and the Westchester School for Special Children, where he was a Board Member; he also served on St. Joseph's Board of Trustees, was a Past President of the Shomokin Rod and Gun Club and a lifelong member of the NRA; and WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano was a longtime parishioner of Mt. Carmel Church on Park Hill Avenue in Yonkers; and WHEREAS, Leonard N. Spano is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years, Josephine, and his children, Nicholas (Linda), John (Evelyn), MariaElena, Eleanore, Leonard (Deidra), Joanne (Vincent Finnegan), Rosemarie (Christopher Gannon), Camille, Michael (Mary), Victoria (Thomas Smith), Anthony (Eva), Dolores (Richard Wilson), Loretta, Gerard, Joseph (Rosalie), and Vincent (Jaime); 42 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; one sister, Rosemary DeStaso; and two brothers, John Spano, and Michael Spano; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews; and WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life, one of service on behalf of his family, community and country, Leonard N. Spano distinguished himself as a man of values and commitment; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations in a moment of silent tribute to Leonard N. Spano, whose unselfish concern for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so fortunate to have called him family, colleague and friend, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Leonard N. Spano.