Senate Resolution No. 2042 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of the Florentine Pastry Shop of Utica, New York 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 and businesses that are devoted to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those who work to better their local community and to keep local traditions alive; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Florentine Pastry Shop of Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, The Florentine Pastry Shop has been making Italian cakes and specialties in Utica, New York for nearly a century; and WHEREAS, Opened in December of 1928 by Joseph Borgovini and Vincenzo Gennaro, the Florentine Pastry Shop was originally located at 605 Bleecker Street before moving to its current location at 667 Bleecker Street by Gennaro's wife Luigia in 1945; and WHEREAS, Run by various local Italian families since its inception, Rocco Vitullo and Gabe Alessandroni became the new owners in 1963, with Gabriele Alessandroni becoming the sole owner 1973; his relatives, Andrew and Debby Alesia, became the current owners in 1993; their son Jared is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a pastry chef, while their son Martin is the shop's cake decorator; and WHEREAS, For 95 years, the Florentine Pastry Shop has offered its loyal Utica area customers the finest quality foods and products, and the highest standards of service while remaining a gathering place for young and old alike and retaining the same old-time charm which has so characterized its past; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Florentine Pastry Shop of Utica, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Florentine Pastry Shop, Utica, New York.