Senate Resolution No. 818

BY: Senator BASKIN

CELEBRATING the life of John A. Feroleto

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
extol those individuals who dedicated their lives to the betterment of
their communities and represented the interests of the communities
through years of public service; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sadness and reverence that this
Legislative Body honors the life of John A. Feroleto after his tragic
and unexpected passing on Sunday, April 6th, 2025; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto was born on August 4, 1953, to John and
Antoinette "Toni" Feroleto and grew up on Buffalo's West Side; he
attended Buffalo Public School No. 1 and continued on to become the
first member of his family to graduate from college, as well as the
first to earn a law degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law;
and

WHEREAS, While attending law school, John A. Feroleto met the love
of his life, Paula, and they both graduated in 1982; together, they
raised three children, John, Joel, and Kate, providing them with a life
filled with love, guidance, and support; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, John A. Feroleto started his own law firm,
Feroleto Law; a highly respected law firm that has been representing
victims of accidents and injuries for the past 30 years, he was very
proud of the fact that, at one time, he and all three of his children
worked at Feroleto Law; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto had a distinguished career as a trial
lawyer, known as a steadfast advocate for the rights of individuals; his
unwavering commitment to justice and exceptional skill in the courtroom
earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious NYSTLA Trial
Lawyer of the Year Award; treating his clients like family, he developed
lifelong relationships through his practice; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's contributions to the legal community
were many, and he was an active member of the American Association for
Justice and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association; he played a
pivotal role in founding the New York Trial Lawyers Western Region where
he proudly served as its second President; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's passion for the law and his dedication
to improving the legal profession left an incredible mark on those who
worked alongside him and the many young lawyers he had mentored
throughout his career; and

WHEREAS, Outside of the courtroom, John A. Feroleto was an avid
runner, having completed numerous marathons, including the prestigious
Boston Marathon; he cherished the camaraderie of the local running
community and was a regular at Tuesday Track Nights with Checkers AC
where his enthusiasm and spirit inspired everyone around him; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto was also an impressive gardener who
nurtured an expansive vegetable garden and crafted homemade wine each
year, sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's love for nature extended to his
cherished home in Thunder Bay, Canada, where he and his wife, Paula,
spent countless joyous summers, especially in recent years, with their
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Among all of his passions and interests, John A. Feroleto's
greatest love was his family; a devoted husband of 45 years to Paula and
a proud father of three, his grandchildren were the light of his life,
and he reveled in spending time with them; John and Paula Feroleto
opened their home to many nieces, nephews, and most recently, Khin Khin
Htike; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's legacy is one of compassion, excellence,
and dedication to both his family and his profession; he will be deeply
missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto is survived by his wife, Paula; their
children, John, Joel, and Kate; his grandchildren; and a host of
extended family, friends, and colleagues who were fortunate to
experience his warmth, humor, and generosity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That on this day, this Legislative Body proudly recognize
and celebrate the life of John A. Feroleto and honor his memory; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body hold John A. Feroleto in the
highest esteem; Western New York was better for having him and will have
a hole to fill with his passing; and be it further

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