Senate Resolution No. 5693

BY: Senator LARKIN

CONGRATULATING Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina upon the
occasion of celebrating their 75th Wedding
Anniversary

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in paying
tribute to those flourishing marriages that have stood the test of time
to serve as a paradigm for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina upon the occasion of celebrating their 75th
Wedding Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Joseph and Elizabeth Farina were united in marriage on
November 5, 1942; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary couple met at a social function during
World War II, while Joseph Farina was serving the 997th Signal Battalion
of the Sixth Army; Joseph returned to active duty just four hours after
their wedding; and

WHEREAS, After proudly serving his country, Joseph Farina returned
home to Newburgh, New York, and six months later, Elizabeth followed;
and

WHEREAS, Joseph Farina began his successful career in the bowling
industry when he purchased a small bowling center in Punta Gorda,
Florida; and

WHEREAS, Upon selling the bowling center, Joseph Farina went to work
for a large bowling center in St. Petersburg, Florida, before serving as
a technical advisor for Brunswick of Australia; in this capacity, he was
charged with getting the burgeoning bowling industry up and running in
the country; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Joseph Farina became a bowling business
trainer; he also taught the sport to the blind and disabled, all with
his loving wife Elizabeth by his side; and

WHEREAS, Joseph and Elizabeth Farina returned to the United States
in 1981, when Joseph retired and became involved with the Catholic War
Veterans and formed local Post 386 in New Windsor, New York;
additionally, he was instrumental in the building of the National Purple
Heart Hall of Honor; and

WHEREAS, Joseph and Elizabeth Farina were recently named the longest
married couple in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina are and always have been a tower
of strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and

WHEREAS, Their devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness to
their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina have lived and continue to live
their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a
deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so
doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and

WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard
work and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and

WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and

WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a
milestone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an
occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should
be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina upon the occasion of celebrating
their 75th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Farina.