Honored in Albany at induction ceremony on Flag Day
Albany, N.Y. – United States Army Commissioned Second Lieutenant and City of Tonawanda Mayor Ronald J. Pilozzi has been selected – by State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer – as a New York State Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree for his gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces and service to the community.
Pilozzi served as a Commissioned Second Lietuenant in U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 after joining ROTC at Canisius College. During that time, he served as an Artillery Officer with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam and then as an Executive Officer of the 81st Artillery in West Germany.
He received numerous awards for distinguished service, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with “V” Device, Vietnam Campaign Metal with “V” Device, Air Metal, National Defense Service Metal and Vietnam Service Metal awards.
“Ron Pilozzi has gone well above and beyond the call of duty to serve his country over the years. Veterans, such as Ron, have made this country a great nation by serving in the military overseas, then returning home to contribute to the betterment of his community. Whether as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army or as the mayor for the city of Tonawanda, Ron’s meritorious service to the nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of gratitude and admiration,” said Senator Ranzenhofer.
“Members of my family – my grandfather, father, uncle and nephew – served their country and in doing so, they instilled the importance of volunteering for the Armed Forces in me. It is such a generous distinction to be a part of the Veterans Hall of Fame and I thank Senator Ranzenhofer for nominating me. I dedicate this honor to my family members who accepted the call to service and the young service men and women who are serving overseas in Afghanistan,” said Pilozzi.
For over a decade, Pilozzi served as the President of the Town of Tonawanda Development Corporation, helping to establish a Childcare Consortium and working with the Department of Environmental Conservation to demolish and remediate the Spaulding Fibre site. Prior to being elected as mayor of the city of Tonawanda in 2006, he served four consecutive terms as 3rd Ward Councilmember. As Mayor, Pilozzi worked with Rick Lewis and other veterans to establish All Heroes’ Memorial in the city of Tonawanda.
“Ron played a major role in the successful completion of the All Heroes’ Memorial. His dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm were critically important in the completion of that project. He is a great patriot, dedicated public servant and wonderful human being,” said Lewis.
Ron is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post #264 and Amvets Post #1946 and is also a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Disabled American Veterans.
Pilozzi retired after thirty years as a member of management at the Tonawanda General Motors Engine Plant, holding positions in Quality Control, Industrial Engineering and Personnel Departments. He and his wife, Christine, live in the city of Tonawanda.
The Veterans Hall of Fame honors and recognizes outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished careers, both in military and civilian life. More New Yorkers have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a record twenty percent of all Medals of Honor ever granted, more than any other state. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice have earned more New Yorkers the accolades and honors of their countrymen.
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