Senate Resolution No. 426
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Barbara M. Risoli, devoted
mother and grandmother, distinguished citizen, and
dedicated member of her community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Barbara M. Risoli was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Barbara M. Risoli, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Peekskill, New York, Barbara M.
Risoli died on February 12, 2025, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 14, 1936, to the late Gerald and Julia (Pacia)
Chefalo, Barbara M. Chefalo graduated from Peekskill High School in
1954, where she began her courtship with the love of her life, Alexander
J. "Buddy" Risoli; and
WHEREAS, United in marriage on June 21, 1958, at Our Lady of the
Assumption Church in Peekskill, Barbara and Buddy built a life filled
with family, friends, and service to their beloved hometown; and
WHEREAS, Barbara M. Risoli was the proud owner of Park Motors of
Peekskill, a family business founded by her late father in 1946; and
WHEREAS, Channeling her passion for cooking and keeping everyone
well-fed, Barbara M. Risoli was the Director of the Peekskill Nutrition
Program for over 25 years since its inception in 1976, where she, among
other things, championed the take-home supper program, ensuring that
vulnerable senior citizens remained healthy; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, Barbara M. Risoli and her husband were named
Distinguished Italians by Festa Italiana; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Barbara M. Risoli loved being a true "Peekskill girl," noting
her family's 130-year-old roots in the city; she volunteered with
numerous local organizations, including the Jr. Women's Club, where she
was president, as well as the PTAs at Hillcrest Elementary School,
Peekskill Middle School and Peekskill High School, where she also held
leadership positions; and
WHEREAS, Barbara M. Risoli was a dedicated Girl Scout leader,
Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and she began the first grade CCD class
at Assumption Church, teaching for over 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, with veteran librarian Claire Finnegan,
Barbara M. Risoli started a RIF reading van to bring the love of
reading to all children in Peekskill; she will be remembered as
"Grandma" by the countless young people whose lives she touched; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband and sister, Leona, Barbara M.
Risoli is survived by her beloved daughters, Allison and Carolyn
(Joseph); and her two cherished grandchildren, Alex and Olivia; nothing
brought Barbara greater joy than being "Nonna" to her grandchildren, who
were the light of her life; her "baby" brother, Gerard, also survives
her along with multiple nieces and nephews, to whom she is Aunt Bobbie;
and
WHEREAS, Barbara M. Risoli's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives she touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Barbara M. Risoli leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she
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 to
mourn the death of Barbara M. Risoli, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Barbara M. Risoli.
