Senate Resolution No. 1261

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Salvatore J. Costanzo 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 Salvatore
J. Costanzo 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, to be celebrated at the
Columbia County Honor a Veteran ceremony on Monday, August 25, 2025; 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, Salvatore J. Costanzo was born on November 11, 1942, to
James and Mary (Forte) Costanzo in Schenectady, New York; he graduated
from Lincoln High School and proudly served in the United States Navy;
and

WHEREAS, From 1965 to 1967, during the Vietnam War, Salvatore J.
Costanzo honorably served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea as
supervisor of the electronic storeroom; for his distinguished service,
he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Salvatore J. Costanzo
resided in Stuyvesant, New York, where he met and married Nina C. Keene
on September 20, 1969; together they raised their beloved son, David;
and

WHEREAS, Professionally, Salvatore J. Costanzo dedicated many years
of public service to the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs,
working as an assistant to the Director and advocating for the needs of
New York's veteran community; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Salvatore J. Costanzo remained an
engaged and compassionate citizen; he was a member and past commander of
the Stuyvesant Falls VFW Post No. 9593, a member of the Stuyvesant Fire
Company, St. John's Lutheran Church in Stuyvesant, and served on the
Columbia County Honor-a-Vet Committee; and

WHEREAS, In his later years, Salvatore J. Costanzo enjoyed
collecting coins, watching sports, and most importantly, spending
cherished time with his grandson, Mark; he is remembered for his
unwavering love and dedication to those who served our country; and

WHEREAS, Salvatore J. Costanzo passed away on November 13, 2017, at
The Springs in Troy, New York, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy
of service, integrity, and community involvement; he was laid to rest in
the cemetery of St. John's Lutheran Church in Stuyvesant; and

WHEREAS, Salvatore J. Costanzo's life and legacy embody the values
of courage, duty, and selflessness; he is survived by his devoted son
David and beloved grandson Mark; his wife, Nina, who shared in his
journey of love and service, predeceased him; 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Salvatore J. Costanzo 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 Salvatore J. Costanzo 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 Salvatore J. Costanzo.