Assembly Resolution No. 130
BY: M. of A. Burdick
MOURNING the death of Gaetano Thomas Varbero,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero of Harrison, New York, died on
Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the remarkable age of 104; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 26, 1921, in Harrison, New York to Antonio
and Sara (Cote) Varbero, Gaetano Thomas Varbero lived a life full of
adventure and purpose; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero proudly served in the military
during World War II and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, a testament
to his courage and dedication to his country; and
WHEREAS, In 1945, Gaetano Thomas Varbero married the love of his
life, Bambina (Bobby) Paterno; together they built a beautiful family,
welcoming their two cherished children, Thomas and Linda; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero was a skilled carpenter by trade; he
and his wife, Bobby, owned and operated two luncheonettes in White
Plains and Mamaroneck, New York where they utilized their shared passion
for food and cooking to earn a living; and
WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Gaetano Thomas Varbero was an
accomplished hunter and fisherman and embarked on many memorable trips
across the United States and into Canada, including Alaska and
Newfoundland, where he took his sense of adventure to the highest levels
while making lifelong friends along the way; he made this courageous
pilgrimage an amazing seven times with his beloved life partner, Bobby;
and
WHEREAS, In his leisure, Gaetano Thomas Varbero cherished visiting
his hunting cabin in the Catskill Mountains; there, he created lasting
memories with his family and friends, sharing his passion for hunting,
adventure, and overall camaraderie amongst those in his presence; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero's commitment to excellence and his
spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero is survived by his son, Thomas
(Connie); grandchildren, Thomas (Alexis), Patrick (Torri), Marlene,
Cheryl (Ted), and Lindsey (John); and 14 great-grandchildren who will
carry on his legacy of love and adventure; and
WHEREAS, Gaetano Thomas Varbero is predeceased by his beloved wife
of 64 years, Bambina; his daughter, Linda; his siblings, Santina,
Anthony (Roy), and Josephine (Honey); and his great-grandson, Derek
Rodriguez; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Gaetano Thomas Varbero 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Gaetano Thomas Varbero, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Gaetano Thomas Varbero.
