Assembly Resolution No. 94

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

MOURNING the death of Romolo Pede Sr., loving
husband, father and grandfather, distinguished
business owner and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Romolo Pede Sr. was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Romolo Pede Sr., noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Romolo Pede Sr., died on Wednesday, November 30, 2022,
surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, Born on December 4, 1942, in Castelliri, Italy, Romolo Pede
Sr. was one of seven children to the late Ignazio and Sofia (Paolucci)
Pede; as a teenager, he found his passion in Rome, Italy, where he
worked making handmade pasta; and

WHEREAS, In 1963, at the age of 21, Romolo Pede Sr. immigrated to
the United States and settled in Schenectady, New York; soon after
arriving in America, Romolo met the love of his life, the former Rose
Sbardella, and together they built an incredible 56-year marriage based
on unconditional love and support; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith, vision and determination,
Romolo Pede Sr. established Pede Brothers Italian Specialty Foods in
Schenectady in November of 1967; he worked tirelessly to provide his
patrons with the finest quality Italian pastas and specialty food
products; and

WHEREAS, Romolo Pede Sr. relished in times surrounded by family and
friends; he cherished the winters he and Rose spent in Naples, Florida,
and he always looked forward to Thursday nights at the Sons of Italy
socializing with friends and playing cards; and

WHEREAS, In the fall months, Romolo Pede Sr. found great joy
bringing his Italian heritage of winemaking to the community by selling
wine grapes; he took pride in making wine and especially loved teaching
others the art of winemaking while sharing a glass of his award-winning
wine; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Romolo Pede Sr. was a proud member of the Grabriele
D'Annunzio Lodge No. 321 Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in
America; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was his wife and children, who have successfully

carried on his legacy with Pede Brothers which is celebrating 55 years
in business this year; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law,
Raffaele and Colomba; brother, Sante; sister, Yolanda; sister-in-law,
Santinela; and brothers-in-law, Ettore, Donato and Pietro; Romolo Pede
Sr. is survived by his beloved wife, Rose; his adored children,
AnnMarie, Romolo Jr., David, Christine (Rico) and Lisa; treasured
grandchildren, Amber (Camron), Danielle, Alexis, Tara, Sophia, Nina,
Luke and Ava; a brother, Roberto (Eleonora); sisters, Gilda and Italia
of Italy and Maria (Orazio) of Canada; and brother-in-law, Leo (Carol);
as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren in the
United States, Italy and Canada; and

WHEREAS, Romolo Pede Sr. was loved and admired by many for his
generosity and drive; as a father and grandfather, he passed down
unlimited knowledge to his children and grandchildren with the hope of
preserving his traditions; he faced his illnesses and life's challenges
with grace and stubborn determination, refusing to miss out on a single
moment of the wonderful life he and Rose created with their family; and

WHEREAS, Romolo Pede Sr.'s infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Romolo Pede Sr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Romolo Pede Sr., and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

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