J 426: Mourning the death of Barbara M. Risoli, devoted mother and grandmother, distinguished citizen, and dedicated member of her community

 Senate Resolution No. 426 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Barbara M. Risoli, devoted mother and grandmother, distinguished citizen, and dedicated member of her community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Barbara M. Risoli was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Barbara M. Risoli, noting the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Peekskill, New York, Barbara M. Risoli died on February 12, 2025, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Born on July 14, 1936, to the late Gerald and Julia (Pacia) Chefalo, Barbara M. Chefalo graduated from Peekskill High School in 1954, where she began her courtship with the love of her life, Alexander J. "Buddy" Risoli; and WHEREAS, United in marriage on June 21, 1958, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Peekskill, Barbara and Buddy built a life filled with family, friends, and service to their beloved hometown; and WHEREAS, Barbara M. Risoli was the proud owner of Park Motors of Peekskill, a family business founded by her late father in 1946; and WHEREAS, Channeling her passion for cooking and keeping everyone well-fed, Barbara M. Risoli was the Director of the Peekskill Nutrition Program for over 25 years since its inception in 1976, where she, among other things, championed the take-home supper program, ensuring that vulnerable senior citizens remained healthy; and WHEREAS, In 2012, Barbara M. Risoli and her husband were named Distinguished Italians by Festa Italiana; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Barbara M. Risoli loved being a true "Peekskill girl," noting her family's 130-year-old roots in the city; she volunteered with numerous local organizations, including the Jr. Women's Club, where she was president, as well as the PTAs at Hillcrest Elementary School, Peekskill Middle School and Peekskill High School, where she also held leadership positions; and WHEREAS, Barbara M. Risoli was a dedicated Girl Scout leader, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and she began the first grade CCD class at Assumption Church, teaching for over 15 years; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, with veteran librarian Claire Finnegan, Barbara M. Risoli started a RIF reading van to bring the love of reading to all children in Peekskill; she will be remembered as "Grandma" by the countless young people whose lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband and sister, Leona, Barbara M. Risoli is survived by her beloved daughters, Allison and Carolyn (Joseph); and her two cherished grandchildren, Alex and Olivia; nothing brought Barbara greater joy than being "Nonna" to her grandchildren, who were the light of her life; her "baby" brother, Gerard, also survives her along with multiple nieces and nephews, to whom she is Aunt Bobbie; and WHEREAS, Barbara M. Risoli's infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Barbara M. Risoli leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Barbara M. Risoli, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Barbara M. Risoli.