LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ronald J. Canestrari upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award
by Counseling Care & Services

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Ronald J. Canestrari has given not only of his time and ener-
gies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ronald J.
Canestrari upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2014
Lifetime Achievement Award by Counseling Care & Services which was cele-
brated at its Care Awards Presentation and Reception on Friday, November
7, 2014; and
WHEREAS, A native of Cohoes, New York, Ronald J. Canestrari attended
public schools in Cohoes, and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy
in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ronald J. Canestrari earned a Bachelor of Science degree from
Fordham College in 1965, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham
University School of Law in 1968; and
WHEREAS, From 1969 to 1971, Ronald J. Canestrari proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army where he worked as an
attorney for the federal government and the army; and
WHEREAS, From 1976 to 1989, Ronald J. Canestrari served as Mayor of
Cohoes; during his tenure, he was an active member of the New York State
Conference of Mayors, serving as President; and
WHEREAS, Ronald J. Canestrari served as a member of the New York State
Assembly from 1989 to 2013; from 2007 to 2013, he held the esteemed
position of Majority Leader; in addition, he served as the Chair of the
Higher Education Committee, and was a member of Standing Committees
including Banks, Labor, Local Governments, Rules, and Ways & Means; and
WHEREAS, Ronald J. Canestrari has dedicated his life to serving Cohoes
and its surrounding communities; his selfless devotion to public service
has positively impacted the local community, as well as across the
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Ronald J. Canestrari has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Ronald J. Canestrari has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ronald J. Canestrari has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ronald J. Canestrari upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award by Counseling Care &
Services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ronald J. Canestrari.