Senate Resolution No. 1028
BY: Senator MATTERA
HONORING Philip F. Foglia posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the New York Conference of Italian American
Legislators on May 19, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of purposeful character and unwavering dedication who
devoted their lives to the defense of civil rights, the preservation of
cultural heritage, and the service of their communities with integrity,
compassion, and distinction; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Philip F. Foglia posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the New York Conference of Italian American
Legislators on Monday, May 19, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Philip F. Foglia, an esteemed attorney, accomplished
prosecutor, civic activist, and tireless advocate for Italian-American
rights, passed away on April 21, 2020, at the age of 69, due to
complications from COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Born on November 27, 1950, and raised in the Belmont
section of the Bronx, Philip Foglia was the son of a New York City
police detective and was deeply shaped by the vibrant Italian-American
community in which he was raised, instilling in him a lifelong
commitment to identity, purpose, and justice; and
WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Mount Saint Michael Academy, Lehman
College, and Pace University School of Law, Philip F. Foglia began his
distinguished legal career as a prosecutor in the Bronx County District
Attorney's Office, where he focused on public corruption cases with
steadfast integrity; and
WHEREAS, Recognized for his legal acumen and principled service,
Philip F. Foglia was cross-designated as an Assistant United States
Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he served in the
Organized Crime and Public Corruption Strike Force under then-U.S.
Attorney Rudy Giuliani during the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Philip F. Foglia was appointed Executive Assistant
District Attorney for Investigations in Queens County and later served
as Special Counsel to the City of Yonkers, continuing his impactful work
in public integrity and municipal oversight; and
WHEREAS, In the private sector, Philip F. Foglia served as a partner
in the firm of Culleton, Marinaccio & Foglia for 17 years, where he
brought his formidable legal expertise to both private and public
clients; and
WHEREAS, As a senior official in the New York State Inspector
General's Office, he played a vital role in exposing and addressing
procurement irregularities in the Aqueduct Racetrack casino project,
reinforcing standards of transparency and accountability in state
contracting; and
WHEREAS, A passionate advocate for civic engagement, Philip F.
Foglia was also a political candidate, running for New York City Council
in 2005 as a Republican, Conservative, and Independence Party nominee;
and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to preserving and defending Italian-American
heritage, Philip F. Foglia founded and led the Italian-American Legal
Defense and Higher Education Fund, was a founding board member of the
Italian American Museum, and was an unrelenting voice against cultural
stereotypes and historical omissions; and
WHEREAS, Among his most celebrated contributions was his leadership
in the successful campaign to erect a public statue honoring Mother
Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants; his advocacy was
instrumental after the City of New York initially rejected the proposal
despite overwhelming public support; and
WHEREAS, With the backing of the Governor of the State of New York,
a state commission was formed to realize the monument, and Philip F.
Foglia was appointed a member of the commission, marking the culmination
of his decades-long devotion to justice, dignity, and the immigrant
experience in New York; and
WHEREAS, Philip Foglia's life and legacy are emblematic of the
values held by this Legislative Body-devotion to community, a fierce
commitment to equality and justice, and pride in heritage-and his
contributions will be remembered for generations to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
posthumously honor Philip F. Foglia upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the New York Conference of Italian American
Legislators on May 19, 2025, and to celebrate his enduring contributions
to the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Philip F. Foglia.
