LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John C. Pitarresi upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished service to the UTICA
OBSERVER-DISPATCH

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious journalistic entities which have diligently and
consistently, year after year, recorded the history of their communities
and brought local news and news of the larger world to their readers;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
C. Pitarresi upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service to the UTICA OBSERVER-DISPATCH; this momentous
occasion will be celebrated with a Party in his honor on Sunday, August
30, 2015, at Cavallo's Restaurant, New Hartford, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Niagara Falls, New York, John C. Pitarresi gradu-
ated from LaSalle High School before earning his bachelor's degree from
Hamilton College in 1970, during which time he captained the Conti-
nentals' football and lacrosse teams and was the recipient of the
Lacrosse Most Valuable Player Award; and
WHEREAS, John C. Pitarresi was a volunteer of the coaching staff of
the Hamilton College football and lacrosse squads; he taught briefly in
the New Hartford Central School District at the Perry Junior High School
before beginning his illustrious career as a sportswriter for the Utica
newspapers; and
WHEREAS, As a reporter, John C. Pitarresi's sports articles and
outdoor columns have appeared in the Utica newspapers regularly for more
than 40 years; he has penned an outdoor column for the OBSERVER-DISPATCH
since 1980, and has covered athletic contests on levels ranging from
youth sports to the professionals; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, John C.
Pitarresi was named the Central New York Sportsman of the Year at the
CNY Sportsman Show in recognition of his contributions to the environ-
ment, wildlife and conservation; and
WHEREAS, In addition, John C. Pitarresi was also the 2014 Meet Honoree
of the 72nd Edward J. Herrmann Interscholastic Cross-Country Invita-
tional where he was honored for his steadfast dedication and profession-
alism in promoting leisure sporting activities, athletics, teams and
competitive events in Central New York State; and
WHEREAS, A resident of New Hartford, New York, John C. Pitarresi is a
parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and a
member of the Men's Club; and
WHEREAS, John C. Pitarresi served the UTICA OBSERVER-DISPATCH with
loyalty, honor and distinction for 35 years, earning the admiration,
esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career and purposeful life, John C. Pitarresi
has served his community with integrity and devotion, continuously
striving to meet the needs of his readers through entertainment and
enlightenment; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 John C. Pitarresi upon the occasion of his retirement after many

years of distinguished service to the UTICA OBSERVER-DISPATCH; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John C. Pitarresi.