LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Mayor Andrew J. Parise,
renowned public servant, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community, their profession, and their heritage served to enhance
the quality of life in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Longtime Cedarhurst mayor and lifetime Five Towns resident,
Mayor Andrew J. Parise, died on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at the age of
90; and
WHEREAS, Born April 24, 1924, as one of six siblings, Andrew J. Parise
grew up in Inwood, New York, and graduated from Lawrence High School in
1942; and
WHEREAS, A true American hero, Andrew J. Parise honorably served in
the United States Army during the Second World War; he was assigned to
the 87th Infantry Division 312 Combat Engineers from February 1943 to
December 1945; and
WHEREAS, Andrew J. Parise fought in the Battle of the Bulge and in
France, Belgium and Luxembourg; his unit also entered the Buchenwald
concentration camp, and he earned two Purple Hearts for his exceptional
military service; and
WHEREAS, In 1945, Andrew J. Parise married his childhood sweetheart,
Lillian Oliviero, and together they raised three beautiful children,
Andrew Jr., Louise, and David; and
WHEREAS, Andrew J. Parise was a public servant for more than six
decades; in 1954, he was a Legislative Aide to the New York State Assem-
bly, and two years later he began an illustrious 40-year career with the
Town of Hempstead, where he worked as the Chief of Staff for seven
supervisors; and
WHEREAS, In 1958, this esteemed man established the first purchasing
department for any town in New York, and served as its first Director;
he also founded Hempstead's Employees Federal Credit Union and, since
1971, was on the Cedarhurst Village Board where he served as Deputy
Mayor and became Mayor in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Mayor of Cedarhurst for the past two decades, Andrew J.
Parise was beloved by his village and by the thousands of friends and
colleagues whose lives he touched so deeply through countless acts of
caring, generosity and kindness; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Andrew J. Parise distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; his commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Cedarhurst Park was renamed Andrew J. Parise Cedar-
hurst Park; its namesake, aided by local organizations, refurbished the
park, creating a water park as well as the memorial area, and built a
baseball field; his administration, in partnership with local busi-
nesses, established the summer concert series in the park's gazebo; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Andrew J. Parise was sincerely loved and greatly
respected by all those with whom he worked; committed to his community,
the people he represented, his State, and his Nation, he served his
public with dignity, dedication and incisive wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Over a long and meritorious life of service on behalf of
others, Mayor Andrew J. Parise was a man of action, of integrity, and of
commitment, whose true compassion was generously given to all who knew
him; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Lillian; two brothers,
Joseph (Ann) and Frank (Kay); and a sister, Phyllis (Joe), Mayor Andrew
J. Parise is survived by his children, Andrew Jr. (Deborah), Louise, and
David (Mary Lynn); his five grandchildren, Kristen (Gordon), Robert
(Emily), Jamie (Josh), Erica (Alex), and Jessica (Devin); five great-
grandchildren, Courtney, Brooke, Page, Mia and Maddie; two brothers,
Louis (Eleanor) and Dominic (Margaret); and his loving companion, JoMar-
ie; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Mayor Andrew J. Parise
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Mayor Andrew J. Parise, renowned public servant,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Mayor Andrew J. Parise.