Mourning the death and honoring the memory of Andrew N. Farnese.

WHEREAS, Andrew Farnese, an immigrant from Sicily, saw the Liberty Bell on July 4th , the year he was thirteen, and from that moment on, his devotion to this Country and the City of Philadelphia was imbedded in his soul; and

WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Temple University, and in 1940 married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Bersani. He served his country in World War II, and then practiced law in Philadelphia, including a five year assignment with the state Attorney General's Office; and

WHEREAS, When he returned to private practice, his public service continued. He served on the Philadelphia Gas Commission, founded two banks, and helped found Casa Fermi, an apartment complex for older residents in South Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, From 1990 until 2000, Mr. Farnese served on the School Board, and became the first Italian American to be named president. He assisted children here and in Sicily, and raised significant funds for the Boys' Town in Palermo. For all his work, he was awarded a Papal Decoration of the Lateran Cross and the Cavaliere Di Gran Croce from the Italian government; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby join in mourning the death and celebrating the life of Mr. Andrew N. Farnese. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of this City, and he will be missed by all who knew him, for he was held in highest esteem among us.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Margaret Farnese and the entire Farnese family as evidence of the profound condolences of this legislative body.

End