LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ronald Canestrari upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Third Age Achievement Award in
Government by Senior Services of Albany

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ronald Canes-
trari upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Third Age
Achievement Award in Government by Senior Services of Albany, to be
celebrated at its 20th Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2016, at
Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Senior Services of Albany was founded in 1952, to serve the
needs of the elderly and their caregivers in the greater Albany area;
since its inception, the agency has focused its mission on enhancing
quality of life and fostering independence for seniors in the Capital
Region; and
WHEREAS, The Third Age Achievement Awards are designed to pay tribute
to members of the Capital Region who have made significant contributions
to our communities in their "third age"; the award seeks to dispel the
myth that getting older always means slowing down and highlights the
activities, achievements and creativity of individuals over the age of
60; and
WHEREAS, The 60-plus stage of life can be a time full of opportunities
to enrich our communities, pursue dreams, and provide leadership; the
Third Age Achievement Awards honor individuals who have excelled in all
of these endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Canestrari grew up in Cohoes, New York, where he
attended the Cohoes Public School system for many years before graduat-
ing from Christian Brothers Academy; and
WHEREAS, Upon earning his degree from Fordham University School of Law
in 1968, Ronald Canestrari worked as an attorney for the Federal Govern-
ment in Washington, DC and practiced law with a firm in Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Ronald Canestrari began his illustrious political
career by running and being elected for Mayor of Cohoes; he served as
Mayor for 13 years, while also serving as President of the New York
State Conference for Mayors; and
WHEREAS, Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1988, Ronald Canes-
trari represented parts of Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties;
during his time as an Assembly member, he also served as Chairman of the
Assembly's Higher Education Committee and was a driving force behind the
Capital matching program which provides essential funding to New York's
independent colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he chaired the Assembly Working Group on tele-
vision coverage, where he led the effort to make Assembly session
footage available throughout the state on cable television and the
internet; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Ronald Canestrari was named Majority Leader of the
New York State Assembly where he was responsible for the day-to-day
management of the legislative session on the floor of the Assembly; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Canestrari retired from public office in 2012, and
currently serves on the board of the Watervliet Arsenal Partnership
Board, which serves as a vehicle to bring private sector jobs to the
area; furthermore, he remains active in the greater Cohoes community,
supporting Unity House, the Troy Music Hall and Holy Trinity Catholic
Church; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ronald Canestrari has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ronald Canestrari upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Third Age Achievement Award in Government by Senior Services
of Albany; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ronald Canestrari.