Senate Resolution No. 181 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 110th Anniversary of Matt Funeral Service, Inc. WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of Matt Funeral Service, Inc., of Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, In 1894, Luigi and Caterina Meta, along with their children, Carmen, Joseph, Rose, Amodel, Theresa, and Anthony, emigrated from Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy, to Little Italy, New York; later, the last child of the family, Paul, was born in the United States; moving to Utica, the Metas called this new city home; and WHEREAS, The Meta children attended Bleecker Street School; the teachers used the name Matt instead, and the new surname was used thenceforth; and WHEREAS, The Matt family established several business ventures, including a meat market, a Bleecker Street apartment building, and Eagle Ice Cream Company which included an icehouse and, eventually, 30 horse-drawn wagons; and WHEREAS, In 1914, Anthony Matt established his own funeral home in Utica; on May 22, 1920, he married Lena I. Viscosi, of Rome, New York; together, the couple served their city; and WHEREAS, Anthony Matt's fluency in several languages allowed him to provide funeral services to the Italian, Syrian, and Lebanese communities; the dedicated funeral home director worked tirelessly until his death on January 3, 1947; and WHEREAS, Prior to his father's death, John Matt returned from New York City, where he was a funeral director, to continue his father's tradition of service to the community; in December of 1947, the funeral home was moved to its present location in Utica; on April 19, 1948, the family-owned business was incorporated; and WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Matt Funeral Service, Inc., has been operated by four generations of the Matt family, providing compassionate service for countless families; this enduring legacy of caring for family and friends continues; and WHEREAS, It is with great pride that the Matt family, along with their dedicated workers, celebrate this milestone 110th Anniversary and anticipate many more years of success for generations to come; and WHEREAS, The progression of Matt Funeral Service, Inc., is in direct correlation to the efforts of its owners and employees, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local and State economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of Matt Funeral Service, Inc., of Utica, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Matt Funeral Service, Inc..