Senate Resolution No. 2803

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria
SS. Addolorata on June 25, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria
SS. Addolorata, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at El Caribe,
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Monsignor David L. Cassato
has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary
intelligence, and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his
community and profession and consequently has been selected for this
most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, David L. Cassato was born on September 2, 1947, in
Brooklyn, New York, where he attended Holy Family Elementary School and
Saint John's Preparatory; and

WHEREAS, After high school, David L. Cassato received a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Philosophy from Cathedral College of the Immaculate
Conception; he went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Our Lady
of the Angels Seminary and a Master of Science degree in Education with
a focus on Administration and Supervision from Mercy College; and

WHEREAS, Ordained a priest on May 27, 1972, Father David L. Cassato
celebrated his first mass at Holy Family Church, the place where it all
began; he was then appointed to Saint Rita's in Long Island City where,
as assistant pastor, he had an active part in the development of many
parish programs; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Father David L. Cassato
developed a diversified youth program, a drop-in center for teenagers, a
summer camp program for local youth, a retreat program for young adults,
activities for senior citizens and regular visits to shut ins in the
parish; and

WHEREAS, In January of 1985, Father David L. Cassato was chosen to
become Administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg; less
than a year later, he accepted the position of the church's Pastor, and
his installation Mass took place on December 1, 1985; and

WHEREAS, On Monday, April 25, 1988, Father David L. Cassato was
designated as a Domestic Prelate of Honor, "Monsignor," by Pope John
Paul II; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated and committed Shepherd, Monsignor David L.
Cassato opened Mount Carmel Academy, a middle school with a full
academic schedule, on September 8, 1992; and

WHEREAS, In September of 1998, Monsignor David L. Cassato assumed
responsibility of St. Vincent DePaul School, and one year later
Northside Catholic Academy was born with grades pre-K to five at the St.
Vincent site and grades six to eight at the Mount Carmel site; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor David L. Cassato was appointed Administrator of
the Parish of Annunciation on September 14, 1998; and

WHEREAS, On June 16, 2001, Monsignor David L. Cassato was appointed
New York City Police Chaplain, and on November 1, 2001, he was assigned
as Pastor to the Parish of St. Athanasius in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Monsignor David L. Cassato
has displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Monsignor David L. Cassato, that future generations may know and
appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the
respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli
Maria SS. Addolorata on June 25, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Monsignor David L. Cassato.