By: Luna S.R. No. 1117 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 In Memory 1-3 of 1-4 Vincent Mortellra, Sr. 1-5 WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow that the Texas Senate noted 1-6 the passing of a native son of San Antonio, Vincent Mortellra, Sr., 1-7 who died May 12, 1995, at the age of 88; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Mr. Mortellra's grocery business became a city 1-9 landmark; his hard work, honesty, and unquestioned integrity drew 1-10 his customers, who became friends, to the highly personal and 1-11 well-loved grocery stores he built over the years; as a youth he 1-12 embarked on his apprenticeship at the age of 18 when he began as 1-13 manager of a small grocery store on Prospect Hill; his success at 1-14 the business which would occupy his interest for a lifetime enabled 1-15 him to court and marry his young sweetheart, Irene A. Mortellra; and 1-16 WHEREAS, During the tough years of the depression of the 1-17 1930s, he nevertheless opened and continued to operate his own 1-18 butcher shop and a few years later, in partnership with a relative, 1-19 the Sanitary Grocery and Market opened its doors; and 1-20 WHEREAS, His nephew, Mike DeMarco, returned from World War II 1-21 to take over his father's place as partner in the grocery business, 1-22 and nephew and uncle continued to provide the sound and solid service 1-23 which was the major part of their admirable reputation and which won 2-1 them a large group of devoted customers; the other notable ingredient 2-2 in Mr. Mortellra's distinguished success was his trustworthiness and 2-3 friendliness; he saw the good side of everyone, and for him, the cup 2-4 of life was always full; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Despite working six days a week, the avid fisherman 2-6 found time to take his sons fishing on the weekends and spend quality 2-7 time with them; a devoted husband and father, Vincent Mortellra 2-8 provided a rock-like stability from which his family drew strength, 2-9 pride, and sensitivity; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Strong in his faith, Mr. Mortellra supported his 2-11 local parish and was an inspiration to countless individuals; he 2-12 will be sorely missed; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-14 74th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to his family: 2-15 his wife, Irene A. Mortellra; his sons, Vincent J. Mortellra, Jr., 2-16 and his wife, Sandi, and Robert P. Mortellra, and his wife, 2-17 Sharon Ann; and his grandchildren, Rick, Tammie, Tina, Lisa, 2-18 Matthew, and Stephanie; and, be it further 2-19 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his 2-20 family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, 2-21 and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-22 Vincent J. Mortellra, Sr. 2-23 ______________________________________ 2-24 President of the Senate 2-25 I hereby certify that the above 3-1 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-2 on May 19, 1995, by a rising vote. 3-3 ______________________________________ 3-4 Secretary of the Senate 3-5 ______________________________________ 3-6 Member, Texas Senate