Assembly Resolution No. 2340

BY: M. of A. Reilly

MOURNING the death of Felice John Tulli,
distinguished citizen, prideful veteran, and beloved
family man

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 this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli of Staten Island, New York, died on
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli was a private first class in the 29th
Infantry Blue and Grey Division's 116th Battalion of the U.S. Army; when
he enlisted on February 13, 1943, he was initially sent to Camp McCain
in Grenada, Mississippi, and later to England for training in
preparation for the stealth launch of "Operation Overload," better known
now as D-Day; and

WHEREAS, He landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 8,
1944, two days after the D-Day invasion; members of his platoon were the
first replacements for their 29th Infantry Division's second wave in
Normandy; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli was assigned to a listening post during
the advancement; he was wounded and shipped back to England for surgery;
upon his recovery, he and his brother, Danny, were involved in the
second wave of the invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy, but fortunate to
return to the United States; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli is a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal
for having been injured in the Normandy Invasion; and

WHEREAS, This devoted and accomplished veteran received an honorable
discharge on December 11, 1945, at Fort Dix, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, After the war, Felice John Tulli received a 10-day pass to
Denmark for the displaying of the troops and exhibition of tanks from
all the Allied countries; he also visited Paris and then came home
aboard the Liberty Ship; and

WHEREAS, Following his service, Felice John Tulli enrolled in trade
school where he learned the art of watchmaking and jewelry repair; and

WHEREAS, He later met the love of his life, Catherine Dorothy
Napoli, following his military service; the couple married on June 23,
1951, and settled in the Bronx, New York; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli and his wife ran a successful business,
Tulli Jewelers, for 36 years; they retired happily and traveled the
world, spending winters in Florida until Catherine's passing in 2017;
the couple shared a joyful 66 years of marriage; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, the French Republic presented Felice John Tulli
with the French Legion of Honor Award Medal to commemorate the 70th
Anniversary of D-Day; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli also was awarded the
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Distinguished
Service Cross, the Combat Infantry Badge, the World War II Victory
Medal, the American Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, In coincidence with his 100th birthday, Felice John Tulli
was recognized by the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation at
their annual Golf Outing Dinner with a Special Military Award; and

WHEREAS, This veteran was a longtime honorary member of the Pvt.
Joseph F. Merrell - Fr. Vincent Capodanno American Legion Post 1368; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Felice John Tulli is survived by his children, Terry, John,
and Rita; grandchildren, Michelle Spinelli (Alfred), Michael Tarangelo
(Lauren), Kasandra Untisz (Matthew), Nicholas and Christopher Tulli,
Candice Schultz (Steve), twins Daniela and Alessandra Sirabella,
Stephanie Keegan ( James); and his great-grandchildren, Matthew,
Juliette and Amelia Untisz, twins Delia and Natalie Tarangelo, Andrew
and Nicholas Tesauro, Mattea Marie Spinelli and James, Shawn, and
Christian Keegan; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Felice John Tulli 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 Felice John Tulli, distinguished citizen, prideful
veteran, and beloved family man; and be it further

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