Assembly Resolution No. 2075
BY: M. of A. Burdick
CONGRATULATING Gaetono Mitrano, of Harrison, New
York, upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on May 1, 2024
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Gaetono Mitrano, of Harrison, New York, upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday on Wednesday, May 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Gaetono "Gate" Mitrano was born to parents, Sebastian and
Theresa Mitrano, in Harlem, New York, on May 1, 1924; he was blessed
with two brothers, Giacomo and Sebastian, and three sisters, Anne,
Michelina, and Gloria; his family moved to Harrison when he was
approximately five years old; he graduated from Harrison High School,
where he played on the basketball and golf teams, in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Drafted on February 20, 1943, Gaetono Mitrano was a medic
for the United States Army 69th Infantry (Fighting 69), Company B,
during World War II; he spent 11 weeks in training at Camp Smith,
Arkansas, and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, for
six months; in November of 1943, he fought in the Gilbert Islands during
the Battle of Makin after which he returned to Hawaii for six months;
and
WHEREAS, While serving his country, Gaetono Mitrano fought in the
Battle of Saipan in the Mariana Islands and Iwo Jima, Japan; he was
stationed in Okinawa, Japan, when the United States released the atomic
bomb over Hiroshima, causing the Japanese to surrender; and
WHEREAS, After the Japanese surrendered, Gaetono Mitrano volunteered
to assist in the rebuilding of the infrastructure in Osaka and the
surrounding communities; Japan announced its surrender on August 15,
1945, and signed its Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945; and
WHEREAS, After being stationed in Seattle, Washington, for two
weeks, Gaetono Mitrano sailed back to the United States on a banana
boat; after two and a half years in the Army, he was honorably
discharged at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, in 1946; and
WHEREAS, Gaetono Mitrano's brothers also fought for the freedom of
the world; Giacomo ("Jack") served during World War II, and Sebastian
("Junior") died heroically during the Korean War in 1951; a road at
Harrison High School is named "Mitrano Place" after Sebastian; and
WHEREAS, On February 20, 1949, Gaetono Mitrano married Lee Didona;
the couple were blessed with three children, Dan, Linda, and Lori; the
family lived in White Plains, New York, from 1949-1967; and
WHEREAS, Gaetono Mitrano worked as a Postman for Harrison from
1949-1983 when he retired; during the 1950s, he also had a part-time job
in construction on Long Island during the post-World War II housing
boom; and
WHEREAS, Gaetono Mitrano was predeceased by his wife, Lee; brothers,
Giacomo and Sebastian; sisters, Anne and Gloria; and daughter, Linda;
and
WHEREAS, Still residing in the home he and Lee had built in 1967 in
West Harrison, Gaetono Mitrano is still self-sufficient, driving and
living independently; he boasts six grandchildren, Robert, Coby, Kyle,
Jesse, Amy, and Sara, and three great-grandchildren, Maddie, Zoey, and
Tess; and
WHEREAS, With his zest for life, Gaetono Mitrano has inspired and
enriched the lives of his family and friends through the profound charm
and wisdom which come only from a fullness of years; this exceptional
centenarian has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows
characteristic of, and reserved for, those with the stamina and courage
to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, As Americans, we honor Gaetono Mitrano, as well as all the
individuals who sacrificially served our country, preserving its
freedom, given to us by our founding fathers, and the hope that future
generations will remember that gift provided by those who gave
everything; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
outstanding achievements of this Nation during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Gaetono Mitrano upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on May 1, 2024; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gaetono Mitrano.
