STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Aug. 3 will be known as “Tony Bennett Day,” to honor the late Italian-American singer, who was a true New Yorker, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced.

Bennett, who passed away Friday, was two weeks shy of his 97th birthday.

Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett’s death to The Associated Press, saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

Schumer announced the news at Bennett’s Central Park bench, where he told the public that Bennett “personified the American dream and the ‘Greatest Generation’” and the kind of American who makes everyone proud.

“Here is a man who sang about his heart while his soul was always here in New York,” said Schumer. “There is something about those of us lucky enough to be born in New York: whatever we do, wherever we go, we give it our all. The King of Croon is beloved from coast-to-coast, his reach spanned genres and generations—but he is, and he will always be, a New Yorker who did so much good.”

Schumer also announced that he called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who agreed to sponsor the resolution he brought forward to the House of Representatives. This initiation means that the Senate and the House will honor Bennett with a formal Resolution declaring his upcoming birthday as “Tony Bennett Day” across the United States.

The resolution, drafted by Schumer, acknowledges all of Bennett’s endeavors, ranging from his seven-decade-long career, humanitarian work, and military service.

He released more than 70 albums. His work earned him 19 competitive Grammys, all but two after he reached his 60s. Throughout his career, he enjoyed deep and lasting affection from fans and fellow artists.

Some of those affection was felt on Staten Island: Bennett performed at the St. George Theatre five times, the last being in 2016, the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com previously reported.

“Tony Bennett was iconic, the champion of the Great American Songbook, and a gentle soul,” said Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder of the St. George Theatre. ” He was always so gracious and would thank US for having him. He loved the theatre and was always sincere asking how we were doing.

“He once told our audience that the St. George Theatre is a world class theatre and everyone should support it.”

Bennett, an infantryman during World War II, helped to liberate a concentration camp. In addition, Bennett will forever be remembered as someone who held his community close to him with support for arts education and humanitarian causes.