Assembly Resolution No. 700

BY: M. of A. McDonald

CONGRATULATING Thomas M. Catallo upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play today; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Thomas M. Catallo upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday
on Tuesday, December 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Thomas M. Catallo was born on December 12, 1923, in
Waterford, New York and lived on the family farm along with his six
siblings; and

WHEREAS, Joining the United States Army Air Corps in January of
1943, Thomas M. Catallo served as a cryptographic repairman assigned to
the 3111th Signal Service Battalion; and

WHEREAS, Thomas M. Catallo served through the Normandy campaign in
France, the Rhineland Campaign, as well as in Central Europe; and

WHEREAS, His unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and
he was awarded the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Thomas M. Catallo received an Honorable Discharge from
military service in January of 1946, and ran his own business (Catallo
Electric Company) until the year 1991; and

WHEREAS, In 1961, Thomas M. Catallo met his late wife, Aloysia
"Lulu" on Isla Mujeres, Mexico and fell immediately in love as he
traveled down to Uruguay where she worked to propose, and they were
married in the year 1964; and

WHEREAS, Together they returned to Waterford working on the family
farm, selling the fruits of their labor at the Fonda Road vegetable
stand, and were instrumental in the establishment of the Saratoga
National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Together, Thomas and Aloysia became proud parents of a son,
Kevin Catallo (Barbara), and two Grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer;
and

WHEREAS, Thomas M. Catallo, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, A long-time member of the American Legion and the Waterford
VFW, Thomas M. Catallo received the Reverend Francis A. Kelley Military
Society "Medal of Freedom" Military Merit and Lifetime of Achievement of
Community Service; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man embodies all that is chronicled
about the "Greatest Generation," and 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, Thomas M. Catallo has enriched the lives of those around
him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the
vibrant charm and infinite wisdom which comes only from a fullness of
years; 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
awesome achievements of this country 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 Thomas M. Catallo upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas M. Catallo.