J 968: Honoring Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of steadfast and unwavering service as Chaplain of the Utica Police and Fire Departments

 Senate Resolution No. 968 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of steadfast and unwavering service as Chaplain of the Utica Police and Fire Departments WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend individuals of outstanding moral character and distinguished service who dedicate their lives to the spiritual and civic well-being of their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of steadfast and unwavering service as Chaplain to the Utica Police and Fire Departments, and to recognize and celebrate the milestone of his 45th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood; and WHEREAS, Joseph Salerno was born on June 2, 1948, the third child of John S. and Genevieve R. (Giglio) Salerno, and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Syracuse on May 3, 1980; and WHEREAS, Joseph Salerno received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and earned a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; although much of his seminary formation was with the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, he was ordained for the Diocese of Syracuse; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his ministry, Father Salerno has served faithfully in various parishes throughout Central New York, including Endicott, Binghamton, Lee Center, Utica, and New Hartford; and WHEREAS, He served as Pastor of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Utica from 1991 until 2002, and since 2002 has ministered as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica; in 2014, he provided administrative leadership to St. John's Parish in New Hartford until the appointment of a new pastor in 2015; and WHEREAS, In 2016, Father Salerno assumed additional pastoral responsibilities for Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in New Hartford, and under his guidance and dedication, the parishes of Lourdes and Rosary were united to form Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish; and WHEREAS, For the past 25 years, Father Salerno has served with compassion, honor, and integrity as Chaplain to the Utica Police and Fire Departments, offering spiritual guidance, emotional support, and a steady presence to first responders and their families in times of crisis, grief, and celebration; and WHEREAS, Throughout his ministry, Father Salerno has also had a profound impact on the next generation of clergy, having mentored numerous seminarians from across the Diocese of Syracuse who served under his guidance and pastoral example on their journey to the priesthood, many of whom credit his wisdom, support, and leadership as instrumental in their formation; and WHEREAS, Beyond his pastoral duties, Father Salerno has offered his leadership and service on the boards of several community organizations, including Notre Dame Schools, Catholic Charities, Hope House, and the former St. Joseph's Nursing Home; he has also served as Regional Vicar of the Greater Utica Area Diocese, and currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; and WHEREAS, A man of many interests and enduring energy, Father Salerno enjoys music, reading, theatre, running the Boilermaker Road Race, indulging in ice cream, and faithfully cheering on the Buffalo Bills; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the individual who combines such unwavering commitment to faith, community, and public service, and Father Joseph Salerno stands as a shining example of devotion, humility, and leadership; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Reverend Joseph Salerno for 25 years of exemplary service as Chaplain to the Utica Police and Fire Departments, and to extend to him its deepest appreciation and best wishes for continued health and happiness; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend Joseph Salerno.