LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Patrick J. Clarke upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2015 Dr. Catherine White Achievement
Award by HeartShare Human Services of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Patrick J. Clarke upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2015 Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award by HeartShare Human
Services of New York to be celebrated at its Spring Gala and Auction on
Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York
City; and
WHEREAS, The mission of HeartShare Human Services of New York is to
nurture and support, with dignity and respect, children, adults, and
families in order to expand opportunities and enhance lives; and
WHEREAS, Patrick J. Clarke is receiving this auspicious award for his
devotion to his profession and sincere dedication and substantial role
as a community leader; he has continuously cast a positive impact on his
community and displayed an unbridled enthusiasm in all his professional
and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Patrick J. Clarke was born and raised in Galbally, County
Tyrone, Ireland, to Patrick and Roseanne Clarke; as he watched the civil
rights movement and the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the United
States, he internalized the reality of living in an occupied Ireland;
Patrick was given the opportunity to settle in the Bronx in 1971, where
he resides today; and
WHEREAS, After living in New York for two years, Patrick J. Clarke
realized, through perseverance and determination, he could live the
American dream and open his own business; and
WHEREAS, Patrick J. Clarke worked extremely hard to build his
construction business while planting roots in New York; in 1976, he
married and raised four children, Patrick, Barry, Christine, and Alan;
and
WHEREAS, Although his success grew in America, Patrick J. Clarke never
forgot where he came from and the hardships he faced; with those memo-
ries, he developed a passion for giving back to both the American and
Irish communities, extending his charitable endeavors in the United
States and overseas; and
WHEREAS, Through his open door policy at home and work, Patrick J.
Clarke changed the lives of many families and individuals who needed
help; his philanthropic efforts benefited numerous individuals and
organizations such as young entrepreneurs, the Wounded Warrior Project,
American Red Cross, St. Jude's Hospital, and PAL; and
WHEREAS, Patrick J. Clarke's love and respect for the younger gener-
ation inspired him to help build an orphanage in the Philippines, in
addition to supporting many other children's organizations; and
WHEREAS, Today, Patrick J. Clarke relishes working side by side with
his two sons who have joined him in expanding the family construction
business and real estate interests; and
WHEREAS, In addition to being the loving father of four children,
Patrick J. Clarke is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren,
Ashley, Colin, Braeden, Patrick, and Roseanne; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Patrick J. Clarke upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2015 Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award by HeartShare
Human Services of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patrick J. Clarke.