Bill Text: NY J02681 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Francis J. Sanzillo, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-05-24 - ADOPTED [J02681 Detail]
Download: New_York-2021-J02681-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2681 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Francis J. Sanzillo, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his 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 this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo, affectionately known as Frank, of Brooklyn, New York, died on March 21, 2022, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, In 1983, Francis J. Sanzillo married his beloved wife, Gussie, who was his rock, caretaker, confidant, and best friend; together the couple raised their two adored sons, Robert and Michael; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, Francis J. Sanzillo went on to attend the City College of New York, where he became active in politics, helping to organize student demonstrations in support of student and civil rights, and against the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo began working in New York politics right out of college; in 1984, he was elected as the Secretary of the New York State Senate Minority, where he fought to ensure underserved communities were represented by elected officials who lived in the neighborhoods they served; and WHEREAS, Leveraging his unique ability to find support on both sides of the aisle, Francis J. Sanzillo built a successful lobbying and political consulting practice, where he worked tirelessly to serve others through his final days; and WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Service to their community was paramount to Francis J. Sanzillo and his wife; throughout their 40-year marriage, they provided funding for academic scholarships and Food for the Poor, fostered multiple children through the Save the Children program, helped orchestrate the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Northern Westchester, and helped form a non-profit organization which supported ECMO research; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, following his heart transplant, Francis J. Sazillo worked closely with New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he sat on the Transplant Forum Executive Committee; and WHEREAS, Outside of his profession, Francis J. Sanzillo loved playing and talking about golf, and could be found at his sons' athletic events, watching the Packers, reading on the deck, cracking jokes, and traveling the world; and WHEREAS, Francis J. Sanzillo was dedicated to a family which grew to include in-laws and cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and children's friends, all of whom he treated as his own; he relished a long chat and was always ready when a loved one called seeking counsel; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother and father, Kathryn and Stephen; and two brothers, Steve and John; Francis J. Sanzillo is survived by his wife, Gussie; sons, Robert and Michael; and his brother, Tom; he was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first grandchild in May; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Francis J. Sanzillo 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 Francis J. Sanzillo, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Francis J. Sanzillo.