Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
Thomas James Prisco was born in Rosebank, Staten Island, graduated from Curtis High School and later served with the US Army during World War II.
After the war, Mr. Prisco returned to Staten Island with his wife. When one of his sons, Thomas, was born with Down's Syndrome, Mr. Prisco began his lifelong career of tireless devotion to resolving issues facing the developmentally disabled in his community.
In 1950, Mr. Prisco founded the Exceptional Children's Social Club. This not-for-profit organization provided activities, as well as job counseling and placement for the developmentally disabled. As its CEO, he also founded one of the organization's offshoots, the Colonial Pals Bowling League for the disabled. In addition, Mr. Prisco served as Chair of Community Board Number 2 and served as Chairman of its Senior Citizens and Youth Committees.
As a tribute to the life-long efforts of Thomas Prisco, this legislation would add the name "Thomas Prisco Way" to Seaview Avenue, between Mason Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard, in the vicinity of the South Beach Psychiatric Center.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.