WHEREAS, Bruce Samuel Paone, whose love of small town life in Onancock led him to serve as its mayor for almost a decade, died on November 5, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Maryland, Bruce Paone grew up in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, where he started sweeping a barbershop floor at age nine, and at age 11, gave his first haircut; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Paone continued to barber while proudly serving his country in the United States Navy as a radar operator, and after completing his military service, finished his barber training and received salon manager's and teacher's licenses; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Paone relocated to Onancock in the 1990s, enjoying the historic town's slow pace of life and access to the scenic Chesapeake Bay; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Paone owned and operated SNIPS Barber Shop on Market Street, where he quickly became a community favorite known for his sense of humor and listening ear; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of service to his adopted hometown, Bruce Paone ran for and was elected Onancock's mayor; a popular and effective public servant, he won reelection four times; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Paone worked alongside town council members, other local and regional officials, and staff members to ensure that residents of Onancock received the services they needed; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Paone oversaw the expansion and upgrade of the town's wastewater treatment facility, campaigned for the construction of a local hospital, and encouraged small businesses to relocate to the town's historic downtown; and

WHEREAS, as a volunteer with the fire department, Bruce Paone worked diligently to ensure that the town's emergency services departments had the necessary resources to serve Onancock; and

WHEREAS, a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, Bruce Paone enjoyed fellowship and service opportunities with other members; and

WHEREAS, passionate about his adopted hometown, Bruce Paone enthusiastically served his fellow residents with great devotion; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Paone will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Marge; sons, Bruce, Jr., and James, and their families; stepchildren, Anthony and Gina, and their families; and the residents of Onancock; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the mayor of the Town of Onancock, Bruce Samuel Paone; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bruce Samuel Paone as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.