Bill Text: NY J01006 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Paul F. Felice, cherished family man, distinguished community leader and volunteer, dedicated public servant, and devoted friend to many
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-05-16 - ADOPTED [J01006 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J01006-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 1006 BY: Senator MURRAY MOURNING the death of Paul F. Felice, cherished family man, distinguished community leader and volunteer, dedicated public servant, and devoted friend to many WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice of Patchogue, New York died on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the age of 87; he was a beloved family man, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend and a dedicated member of his community; and WHEREAS, From the young age of 8 years old, Paul F. Felice worked diligently as a self-taught master mechanic, first at businesses of family members and then at the Blue Point Laundry as a head mechanic; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice graduated from Patchogue High School in 1955, and spent several years working for his brothers Louis and Dominick, and then at Blue Point Laundry as a mechanic, and thereafter he became a local business owner himself upon establishing his business called Paul's Garage, and further, he was justly proud to be the eighth member of his family to own and operate an automotive service station within the Village of Patchogue; and WHEREAS, Serving for more than 65 years, Paul F. Felice left a time-honored legacy in his community of commitment to volunteerism as a volunteer firefighter; and WHEREAS, His commitment to the community was further demonstrated by his leadership, Paul F. Felice proudly served as Patchogue Fire District Commissioner for four consecutive five-year terms and as Fire Chief of the Patchogue Fire Department; and WHEREAS, A man of many interests and hobbies, during the course of his volunteer firefighting service, Paul F. Felice came across a 1960 Mack Ladder Truck that was in desperate need of restoration, and, upon recognizing its value brought the truck home to Patchogue; and WHEREAS, After embarking on a joint labor of love to carefully restore the 1960 Mack Ladder Truck, Paul F. Felice completed what is now a customized historic showpiece that transports the Engine Company's first hand-pumper known as the "Honey Bee," and now this truck is used in community events for important occasions including, transporting Santa Claus and his helpers in parades throughout the fire district and, more solemnly, for taking faithfully departed firefighters to their final resting place; and WHEREAS, In demonstration of the deep love Paul F. Felice had for his fellow Patchogue Volunteer Fire Department firefighters, he was profoundly honored during the summer of 2022 to have his own truck, 5-19-18, forever inscribed with his name, "Ex-Chief Paul F. Felice"; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice exhibited honorable civic service to his community when he served as a 3-term elected Trustee to the Patchogue Village Board and later during his tenure as the Village of Patchogue Community Development Inspector; and WHEREAS, During his distinguished life, Paul F. Felice was a recipient of the Lion's International Robert Uplinger Award, and he was duly declared Italian-of-the-Year during 2012 at Patchogue's St. Liberata festival; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice also was a member of several important community organizations including the Patchogue Bay Power Squadron, the Knight's of Columbus #725, the Brookside Yacht Club and the Suffolk Boat Club, of which he was a past Commodore of both, and the Patchogue Lion's Club of which he was past President; and WHEREAS, As the first team sponsor of the Patchogue Youth Athletic Association, in 1978, Paul F. Felice helped fund the expansion of this league in order to include girls softball; and WHEREAS, Always with community service in mind, Paul F. Felice worked on many local projects including the restoration of the historic Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice spent countless days of enjoyment with family and friends alike cruising in the Great South Bay, Skunk Hallow, Davis Park and throughout the waters of both the Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice is survived by his loving wife, Margaret F. (Lotito) Felice, to whom he was married to for 66 wonderful years; his two children, Cheryl and Karen; his beloved grandchildren, Renee and Monika who were his pride and joy; his sisters Patricia and Joanne; and numerous other relatives, in-laws, and friends whose bonds he cherished; and WHEREAS, The commitment and devotion Paul F. Felice had to the Patchogue community can be discerned through his many honors and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Paul F. Felice distinguished himself as a pillar of his community throughout his life by his volunteerism and strong work ethic and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and proud public service and volunteerism and his demonstration of the love he had for his family, friends and his entire community, Paul F. Felice deserves to be recognized, commended, and thanked by the people of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Paul F. Felice, a dedicated public servant, beloved family man and friend to many, and pillar of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Paul F. Felice.