Senate Resolution No. 3477

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

MOURNING the death of Josephine C. Piracci, family
matriarch, beloved librarian, and devoted member of
her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Josephine C. Piracci of Saratoga Springs, New York, died on
Monday, January 1, 2018, at the age of 70; and

WHEREAS, Josephine C. Piracci, affectionately known as Jo, was born
to the late Frank C. Lauer and Janet (O'Brien) Lauer; she grew up on
Long Island, and graduated from Commack High School, where she met her
future husband, Ronald Piracci; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, Jo C. Piracci earned her bachelor's degree in
education from Immaculata College; in August of that year, she married
Ronald, her loving husband of over 48 years; in 1974, she furthered her
education by obtaining her Masters in Library Science from the State
University of New York at Albany; and

WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and

WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci served as a home economics teacher at
Watervliet High School for six years, before taking time off to start
her family; after the birth of her son Vincent, she began her career as
a librarian taking a part time job at the Clifton Park Free Library in
1976; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Jo C. Piracci assumed the title of Director of the
library, a position she would hold until her retirement in March of
2008; in this capacity, the library enjoyed a period of substantial
growth including the expansion of the original building, the creation of
the special library tax district, and the approval, design and
construction of the current Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
Building; and

WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci was also instrumental in creating New York
State's first green library; through her steadfast efforts, the library
helped raise awareness about various environmental concerns; and

WHEREAS, Jo C. Piracci truly enjoyed spending time with her beloved
family and many friends; she visited art museums and ballet performances
with her daughter; talked on the telephone with her son on everything
from sports, music, politics and literature; traveled the world with her
husband; made crafts, read books and laughed with her grandchildren, and
loved to eat delicious food, drink tea, watch movies, or discuss current
events with her cherished friends; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman will be remembered for her energy and
kindness of spirit; her easy conversation was spurred by her genuine
interest in each person she met; in addition, she always had a story and
a smile, and if she thought she could help, she would; and

WHEREAS, Josephine C. Piracci is survived by her husband, Ronald
Piracci; one son, Vincent C. (Allison) Piracci; one daughter, Leah N.
Piracci; two grandchildren, Sophia and Olivia; three sisters, Janet
(Richard) Micieli, Virginia Lawler, and Mary Lauer; and two
brothers-in-law, as well as two sisters-in-law, many cousins, nieces and
nephews who will all miss her dearly; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, Josephine C. Piracci leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Josephine C. Piracci, family matriarch, beloved
librarian, and devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Josephine C. Piracci.