Senate Resolution No. 1713

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Theresa M. Pristera upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Theresa M. Pristera upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday
to be celebrated Saturday, March 2, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Theresa "Tree" Froio, of Rome, New York, was born to
Bernard Froio and Theresa Tallerino on March 2, 1924; she grew up with
nine siblings: six brothers, Tony, Patsy, Ralph, Joseph, Tubby, and
Benny; and three sisters, Mary, Catherine, and Connie; and

WHEREAS, At a young age, Theresa M. Froio realized that she needed
to work to financially contribute to the household and obtain goods that
she and her family needed; her first job was in the bean lots, succeeded
by working in the local mills; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating from Rome Free Academy in 1942,
Theresa M. Froio took a train trip with her sisters, Connie and Kay,
from Rome to Utica; at Utica's train station, she met a sailor, Carmen
T. Pristera; they were married on October 23, 1947, in Rome; and

WHEREAS, The following year the couple started their family, blessed
with their first son, Carmen J., followed by Anthony's arrival two years
later; Theresa M. Pristera became homesick so they moved from Utica to
Rome where Bernice was born in 1952, followed by David in 1957; and

WHEREAS, Working for 20 years at Carl's Drug Store made it possible
for Theresa M. Pristera to monetarily contribute toward the purchase of
a ranch home on four acres of land; some time later, her husband's
health forced him to retire which prompted her to retire so she could
care for him; she also tirelessly helped care for her grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, After 43 years of marriage, Carmen T. Pristera died on
October 28, 1990, at the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, Theresa M. Pristera has witnessed many pandemics and
plagues as well as their medical cures; she credits taking care of her
health as the reason she has lived such a long and fulfilled life; she
has had the opportunity to enjoy time with her 11 grandchildren and 17
great-grandchildren; she remains independent, still shopping for her own
groceries; and

WHEREAS, Theresa M. Pristera, with her zest for life, has inspired
and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Theresa M. Pristera has enriched the lives of those around
her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the
vibrant charm and infinite wisdom which come only from a fullness of
years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
outstanding achievements of this Nation during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Theresa M. Pristera upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Theresa M. Pristera.