Senate Resolution No. 2236
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Thomas Joseph Belcastro,
distinguished veteran, dedicated public servant,
respected civic leader, and beloved family patriarch
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Belcastro died peacefully on March 5, 2026,
surrounded by the love of his family, after a life distinguished by
devoted public service, military honor, professional achievement, and
unwavering commitment to his family and community; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Belcastro was born on January 5, 1940, in
Kingston, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph and Margaret Belcastro; and
WHEREAS, Following his graduation from Kingston High School, Thomas
Joseph Belcastro answered the call to serve his nation by entering the
United States Navy shortly after his seventeenth birthday, proudly
serving from 1957 to 1961; and
WHEREAS, During his naval service, Thomas Joseph Belcastro served
primarily aboard the USS DeSoto and was recognized as a plank owner of
the vessel, carrying forward a proud family tradition of military
service inspired by his brother, Eugene, a World War II naval officer;
and
WHEREAS, Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the United
States Navy, Thomas Joseph Belcastro embarked upon a distinguished
professional career with International Business Machines Corporation,
where he served for more than three decades, including as Europe/Middle
East/Africa Division Manager, working in White Plains, New York, and
Paris, France, and earning membership in IBM's Quarter Century Club; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement from IBM, Thomas Joseph Belcastro
continued his professional pursuits with The AB Wolle Corporation in
Scarsdale, New York, eventually becoming the owner of the company; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to civic engagement and public service,
Thomas Joseph Belcastro dedicated many years to local and county
government and Republican Party leadership in Westchester County and the
Town of North Salem; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Belcastro served with distinction as a North
Salem Town Councilman for 16 years, Deputy Supervisor, Chairman of the
North Salem Republican Committee, long-time Treasurer of the Westchester
County Republican Committee, and Chairman of the United States Selective
Service System Appeal Board for New York State District 556; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Belcastro also devoted himself to numerous
civic and charitable organizations, including the Katonah Rotary Club,
where he served as both a member and past president; and
WHEREAS, Known for his wisdom, integrity, and calm leadership,
Thomas Joseph Belcastro earned the admiration and respect of colleagues,
neighbors, friends, and family alike through his generosity, guidance,
and steadfast devotion to public service and community betterment; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Belcastro is survived by his beloved wife,
Beth; his sons, Nicholas Belcastro and Daniel Belcastro, and their
wives; his sisters, Marlene Moses and Dona Klein; his nine cherished
grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, He was predeceased by his brother, Eugene Opet; his
sisters, Frances Martin and Dorothy Knelly; his infant son, Thomas
Belcastro Jr.; his daughters, Jean-Marie Belcastro and Annette Belcastro
White; and Irene Belcastro; and
WHEREAS, The passing of Thomas Joseph Belcastro leaves a profound
void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and all those
fortunate enough to have known him; however, his legacy of patriotism,
leadership, kindness, and dedication to community service will long
endure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Thomas Joseph Belcastro, recognizing his
distinguished life of military service, civic leadership, and devotion
to family and community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas Joseph Belcastro.
