LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating John and Marlene Elacqua of
Latham, New York, upon the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary

WHEREAS, John Elacqua and the former Marlene Ackenbrack were married on
January 17, 1959, in Albany, New York; they celebrated their 50th
Wedding Anniversary on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2008; and
WHEREAS, The celebration for the family and friends of John and
Marlene Elacqua began at six o'clock with a renewal of their marriage
vows at Historic St. George's Episcopal Church in the Stockade area of
Schenectady; and
WHEREAS, The Rt. Rev. David S. Ball, retired Bishop of the Episcopal
Diocese of Albany, celebrated the service assisted by Thomas O. Maggs, a
longtime friend of John and Marlene Elacqua, and David Kennison, Sr.,
Warden of St. George's Church; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the holiday, a festive Gala was held at the
Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia following the service; dinner and dancing
together with a slide presentation was presented by their daughters, who
acted as hostesses for the evening; and
WHEREAS, A special guest at the Gala was Sam Perkins, a retired NBA
basketball standout, who resided with the Elacquas while he attended
Shaker High School; and
WHEREAS, John and Marlene Elacqua are the proud parents of Jamie-Lynne
Elacqua, Esq. (Steven Hornbeck), Susan Elizabeth Elacqua-Clermont
(Andrew), and Carolyn Leigh Elacqua, and have five grandchildren, Trevor
Michael Degre, Tierney Elizabeth Hornbeck, and Matthew, Donald and
Elizabeth Clermont; and
WHEREAS, Marlene Elacqua retired after 25 years of service at the
Episcopal Diocese of Albany, where she served as the Administrative
Assistant to Bishop Ball and the late Bishop Wilbur E. Hogg; following
her retirement, she worked part-time at FOX 23 television in Albany; and
WHEREAS, John Elacqua retired from the New York State Empire State
Development Corporation in 2002, where he served as the Project Manager
for construction projects from Albany to Plattsburgh, including the
Times Union Center and the New York State Nanotech buildings at SUNY
Albany; and
WHEREAS, John and Marlene Elacqua are and always have been a tower of
strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and
WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness
to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and
WHEREAS, John and Marlene Elacqua have lived and continue to live
their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a
deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so
doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work
and spirit that this couple has invested in their marriage; and
WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, John and Marlene Elacqua have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and
WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a mile-
stone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occa-
sion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be
memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate John and Marlene Elacqua upon the occasion of their 50th
Wedding Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John and Marlene Elacqua.