Senate Resolution No. 826
BY: Senator COMRIE
HONORING Jack "Giacomo" Virdone posthumously upon
the occasion of the co-naming of a Street in Queens,
New York, in recognition of his remarkable life and
commitment to community
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Jack Virdone, known affectionately as "Giacomo," was a
beloved figure in the Briarwood, Queens community and beyond; his deep
admiration for authentic Italian cuisine and fine dining resonated with
countless diners since his acquisition of Alba Pizzeria & Ristorante in
1984; and
WHEREAS, The impact Jack Virdone has had on the Briarwood community
and beyond is worthy of this esteemed recognition; a special street
co-renaming ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the
intersection of 84th Drive and Queens Boulevard in Queens, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Sicily, Jack Virdone's journey from a young
immigrant to a celebrated restaurateur is a testament to his passion for
traditional Italian cuisine and unwavering commitment to quality; Alba
Pizzeria & Ristorante, under his leadership, served as a destination
where patrons could experience genuine Italian hospitality and cuisine;
and
WHEREAS, Jack Virdone, loyal to classic recipes and traditional
cooking methods, was renowned for his staple dishes such as Chicken
Francese and his "Shrimp Sinatra"; he also took great pride in offering
healthy options, including a variety of salads, vegetables, and fish
dishes, all while never compromising quality and flavor; and
WHEREAS, One of Jack Virdone's crowning achievements was catering
for Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to New York City in 2008; this
prestigious event underscored the dedicated chef's reputation for
excellence and brought international recognition to Alba Pizzeria &
Ristorante; and
WHEREAS, Jack Virdone's meticulous attention to detail and his
insistence on using only the finest ingredients earned him accolades
from both local patrons and distinguished guests alike; and
WHEREAS, Jack Virdone distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, When Briarwood faced the closure of other beloved
establishments, Jack Virdone stood confident and unwavering in his
commitment to keeping Alba Pizzeria & Ristorante open, protecting the
renowned and beloved legacy he had so diligently crafted over decades of
hard work and passion; and
WHEREAS, Jack Virdone's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; he was an avid supporting of local Lions
Clubs in his community, making notable contributions to their
fundraising initiatives and offering his establishment as a place to
host their events; he additionally supported Hispanic organizations,
helping to raise funds for kitchen projects and school supplies for
communities in Ecuador, Argentina, and Columbia; and
WHEREAS, Further, Jack Virdone, ever proving his investment in the
success of his fellow New Yorkers, donated a scoreboard to Archbishop
Molloy High School, and regularly donated pizzas to local public schools
and community organizations such as the Community Association and
Samaritan Village; it was also important to Jack Virdone to support park
cleanups throughout Briarwood as well as to contribute meals to the
Friends of the Queens Public Library, demonstrating his unrelenting
commitment to community development and environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, Marking the end of an era at Alba Pizzeria & Ristorante,
Jack Virdone died in 2020; he leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; and
WHEREAS, This event will not just celebrate a name change, but will
inspire the Queens community and beyond to adopt Jack Virdone's
dedication to community, philanthropy, and the pursuit of excellence in
all undertakings, ensuring that his influence continues to shine
brightly in our daily lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jack "Giacomo" Virdone posthumously upon the occasion of the
co-naming of a Street in Queens, New York, in recognition of his
remarkable life and commitment to community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Jack Virdone, and to Alba Pizzeria &
Ristorante.
