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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 185
BY SENATOR PERRY
A RESOLUTION
To commend Harry and Benita Clostio of Kaplan on seventy-four years of marriage.
WHEREAS, Harry and Benita Clostio, natives of Kaplan, met in the 1930s at the
Rock-A-Bye, a once popular dance hall in a country area outside of Kaplan; and
WHEREAS, at the age of twenty, Harry wed his beloved Benita, who was seventeen
years old, on November 6, 1937; and
WHEREAS, their life together was difficult in the beginning because they did not
own an automobile and found themselves walking long distances to visit family and friends;
and
WHEREAS, Harry worked as a tractor mechanic and Benita worked as a sitter at the
hospital and the nursing home; and
WHEREAS, eventually, Harry opened his own mechanic business, Clostio and
Hardy Oliver Dealership, which operated in Kaplan for more than twenty years; and
WHEREAS, Harry and Benita built their home in 1945 and still reside there; and
WHEREAS, in the 1950s, Harry purchased his first automobile and after years of
walking, they "thought they were in heaven"; and
WHEREAS, they waited fourteen years to have children and were blessed with their
first son, Russell, and three years later their second son, Danny, arrived; and
WHEREAS, they have six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-
great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, Harry and Benita have always kept their family a priority and the
Clostio family remains tight knit and they receive visits from their extended family
frequently; and
WHEREAS, Harry credits the secret of their long marriage to loving one another and
knowing when to say "Yes, ma'am."; and
WHEREAS, Harry, who is ninety-five years young, and his lovely wife, Benita, who
is ninety-one years young, live in their home unassisted, and Benita still handles all of the
cooking and the cleaning while Harry handles the driving; and SR NO. 185 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, this special couple's commitment to each other is a beautiful example
of lifelong love and devotion that is an inspiration to their entire community, and they have
touched the lives of all who know and love them; and
WHEREAS, the Clostios' seventy-four years of marriage is a joyous and memorable
occasion that merits sincere congratulations.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Harry and Benita Clostio of Kaplan upon the celebration of their
seventy-fourth anniversary, does hereby express enduring appreciation for the tremendous
pride and honor they bring to their family, friends, community, and state, and does hereby
extend very best wishes to this wonderful couple for continued happiness and bountiful
blessings as they enjoy their future years together.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Harry
and Benita Clostio.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE