Senate Resolution No. 711

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING the Alberico family upon the occasion of
hosting their Play It Forward music event, in
celebration of the lives of Salvatore Alberico Sr.
and Salvatore Alberico Jr.

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the Alberico family upon the occasion of hosting their Play It Forward
music event, in celebration of the lives of Salvatore Alberico Sr. and
Salvatore Alberico Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Salvatore Alberico Sr. died on Wednesday, February 29,
2012, at 82 years old, and his son, Salvatore Alberico Jr. of Utica, New
York, died on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, Salvatore Alberico Sr. and Salvatore Alberico Jr.
distinguished themselves in their profession and by their sincere
dedication and substantial contributions to the welfare of their
community; and

WHEREAS, On April 30, 2023, the Alberico family will host a day of
music to memorialize the lives of Sal Alberico Sr. and his son, Sal
Alberico Jr., with a concert to raise funds for local high school music
programs; the show, Play It Forward, will run from 1-8 PM at Twin Ponds
Golf & Country Club, and will feature a used musical instrument drive;
and

WHEREAS, Funds raised for local high school music programs will
greatly benefit all those students who are inspired and driven to create
and play music; these students a deserving of the finest resources and
instruction to allow for their passions to blossom; and

WHEREAS, Salvatore Alberico Sr. and Salvatore Alberico Jr. would be
most proud to witness the drive, talent, and successes of local
musicians, with their hometown community of Utica supporting the musical
arts; and

WHEREAS, Beginning his musical career at the young age of 11,
Salvatore Alberico Sr.'s mother bought him a clarinet and lessons; his
father was a drummer, providing encouragement to pursue a music career;
and

WHEREAS, At that young age, Salvatore Alberico Sr. received a
special permission from the Liquor Board to play venues such as the Palm
Grill; and

WHEREAS, Eventually, Salvatore Alberico Sr. traded in the clarinet
for saxophone; he performed in every band and orchestra in Proctor High

School before graduating in 1948, and later joined the Tony Rogers Band,
a local group of wide acclaim; and

WHEREAS, For decades, his bands have been synonymous with swing,
featuring the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count
Basie, and others; in addition to his own group, Salvatore Alberico Sr.
backed up the best in the business, including Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King
Cole, and Tony Bennett; he used his talents to assist charities,
especially Operation Sunshine, which was "his baby," his son said; and

WHEREAS, He served many years as Union President of Local 51,
American Federation of Musicians, and as recently as three years ago, he
was the front man for his Big Band and played with several smaller
groups; he was honored in 2009 by the Oneida County Historical Society
as a Living Legend; and

WHEREAS, The son of Salvatore Alberico Sr., and a painter by trade,
Salvatore Alberico Jr. was employed for many years with the City of
Utica, positioned in the Utica Police Department for 12 years; he also
was employed with Utica City Hall until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, A natural born musician, Salvatore Alberico Jr. loved to
entertain people, especially his family; he was practically raised in
the music scene, with strong early influences coming from his father,
Salvatore Alberico Sr.; and

WHEREAS, A profound saxophone player, Salvatore Alberico Jr. was
known throughout New York State and beyond; he played with several area
groups, but most notably with his father in The Sal Alberico Sr. Band;
and

WHEREAS, Salvatore Alberico Jr.'s and Salvatore Alberico Sr.'s
commitment to excellence, and their spirit of humanity, carried over
into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Salvatore Alberico Sr. and his son, Salvatore Alberico Jr.,
leave behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended them;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize the dedicated
people of New York whose great endeavors contribute to creating a more
beautiful and artistic community, while contributing to the well-being
and future successes of local students and families; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Alberico family upon the occasion of hosting their Play It
Forward music event, in celebration of the lives of Salvatore Alberico
Sr. and Salvatore Alberico Jr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Alberico family.