Assembly Resolution No. 424
BY: M. of A. Friend
HONORING Joe Caparulo, Jr. upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the New
York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joe
Caparulo, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual
Older New Yorker's Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Hart
Theatre Lounge in The Egg, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and
WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifetime resident of Elmira, New York, in Chemung County,
Joe Caparulo, Jr. is the former owner/proprietor of Cappy's Gift Store;
in this role, he not only ran a successful business, but was also a
friend to all; he was always ready and willing to help anyone in need,
whether it was a dollar for a loaf of bread, money for gas, a gift
certificate for a community fundraiser, or just taking the time to
listen; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, Joe Caparulo, Jr. has dedicated his time
and energies to making his beloved hometown a better place to live, work
and play; he has expressed his voice for social change and community
building through the arts and extensive community service; he has also
written several documents regarding urban revitalization and poverty
reduction; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Joe Caparulo, Jr. has served on multiple
community boards of directors, and has supported various local programs
such as the Bright Red Bookshelf, the Community Room Gallery, and The
Friends of the CCLD Annual Book Sale; and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
community, Joe Caparulo, Jr. was the recipient of the 2012 Jefferson
Award for Social Justice Issues, and was chosen as the Elmira delegate
to the National Jefferson Award Conference in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his girlfriend, Lynne Rusinko,
who has shown him love and support and rejoices in his many
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Joe Caparulo, Jr. has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Joe Caparulo, Jr., a very active and industrious gentleman,
has inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his
volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of
experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joe Caparulo, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joe Caparulo, Jr.