Senate Resolution No. 1272
BY: Senator JORDAN
COMMENDING John Russell Reitano posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John
Russell Reitano posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, John Russell Reitano was born on February 6, 1926, to the
late Anthony and Mary (Marvelli) Reitano in Troy, New York, where he
attended St. Peter's School, Troy High School, and Troy Business School;
and
WHEREAS, On November 2, 1943, John Russell Reitano enlisted in the
United States Army and proudly served his country as a gunners mate with
Aviation, Construction, Ordinance, Repair Navy (ACORN 45) during World
War II; throughout the liberation of the Philippine Islands, he secured,
repaired and provided fire cover for Sea Bees rebuilding the landing
strip at Sangly Point; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the World War II, John
Russell Reitano was awarded the American Theater Medal, WWII Victory
Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Asiatic Pacific Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on May 7, 1946,
John Russell Reitano returned to New York and married the former Dorothy
Berlingieri at the Church of the Feast of the Assumption on September
26, 1949, in Mechanicville; together, they were the proud parents of two
sons, John (Frances) and Paul (Peggy); and
WHEREAS, John Russell Reitano was employed at Wooltex, the Golub
Corporation-Central Markets and Shop Rite; after his much deserved
retirement, he enjoyed his job as a greeter for the Walmart in Halfmoon,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to both his fellow veterans and community, John
Russell Reitano was a member of the Italian Fraternal Hall and Veterans
of Lansingburgh, Past Commander VFW Post 6928, and served on the Family
Day in the Park Committee; and
WHEREAS, A talented musician, John Russell Reitano played the bass
and drums and was the band leader of the Dixieland Ambassadors and the
Johnny Rei Trio; he also liked to paint, bowl, golf and play softball;
and
WHEREAS, Above all, John Russell Reitano loved spending time with
his beloved family, especially his three grandchildren, Kate (Chris),
Justin (Nicole), and Nicholas (Ashely); and his one great-grandson,
Liam; and
WHEREAS, John Russell Reitano died on March 21, 2005, at the age of
79; he was buried with military honors in St. Paul's Cemetery in
Mechanicville; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
John Russell Reitano demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John Russell Reitano posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John Russell Reitano.
