J 818: Celebrating the life of John A. Feroleto

 Senate Resolution No. 818 BY: Senator BASKIN CELEBRATING the life of John A. Feroleto WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and extol those individuals who dedicated their lives to the betterment of their communities and represented the interests of the communities through years of public service; and WHEREAS, It is with great sadness and reverence that this Legislative Body honors the life of John A. Feroleto after his tragic and unexpected passing on Sunday, April 6th, 2025; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto was born on August 4, 1953, to John and Antoinette "Toni" Feroleto and grew up on Buffalo's West Side; he attended Buffalo Public School No. 1 and continued on to become the first member of his family to graduate from college, as well as the first to earn a law degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law; and WHEREAS, While attending law school, John A. Feroleto met the love of his life, Paula, and they both graduated in 1982; together, they raised three children, John, Joel, and Kate, providing them with a life filled with love, guidance, and support; and WHEREAS, In 1993, John A. Feroleto started his own law firm, Feroleto Law; a highly respected law firm that has been representing victims of accidents and injuries for the past 30 years, he was very proud of the fact that, at one time, he and all three of his children worked at Feroleto Law; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto had a distinguished career as a trial lawyer, known as a steadfast advocate for the rights of individuals; his unwavering commitment to justice and exceptional skill in the courtroom earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious NYSTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year Award; treating his clients like family, he developed lifelong relationships through his practice; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's contributions to the legal community were many, and he was an active member of the American Association for Justice and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association; he played a pivotal role in founding the New York Trial Lawyers Western Region where he proudly served as its second President; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's passion for the law and his dedication to improving the legal profession left an incredible mark on those who worked alongside him and the many young lawyers he had mentored throughout his career; and WHEREAS, Outside of the courtroom, John A. Feroleto was an avid runner, having completed numerous marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon; he cherished the camaraderie of the local running community and was a regular at Tuesday Track Nights with Checkers AC where his enthusiasm and spirit inspired everyone around him; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto was also an impressive gardener who nurtured an expansive vegetable garden and crafted homemade wine each year, sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's love for nature extended to his cherished home in Thunder Bay, Canada, where he and his wife, Paula, spent countless joyous summers, especially in recent years, with their grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Among all of his passions and interests, John A. Feroleto's greatest love was his family; a devoted husband of 45 years to Paula and a proud father of three, his grandchildren were the light of his life, and he reveled in spending time with them; John and Paula Feroleto opened their home to many nieces, nephews, and most recently, Khin Khin Htike; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto's legacy is one of compassion, excellence, and dedication to both his family and his profession; he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him; and WHEREAS, John A. Feroleto is survived by his wife, Paula; their children, John, Joel, and Kate; his grandchildren; and a host of extended family, friends, and colleagues who were fortunate to experience his warmth, humor, and generosity; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That on this day, this Legislative Body proudly recognize and celebrate the life of John A. Feroleto and honor his memory; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body hold John A. Feroleto in the highest esteem; Western New York was better for having him and will have a hole to fill with his passing; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of John A. Feroleto.