Senate Resolution No. 1305

BY: Senator MARTINS

CONGRATULATING Sergeant Anthony Catalano upon the
occasion of celebrating his 105th Birthday on
October 23, 2025

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

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Sergeant Anthony Catalano upon the occasion of celebrating
his 105th Birthday on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and paying tribute to
his valiant military service and enduring contributions to his
community; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Mineola, New York, Sergeant Anthony
Catalano exemplifies the very best of the "Greatest Generation," having
answered his nation's call to service during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Drafted into the United States Army in 1941, alongside two
of his brothers, Sergeant Anthony Catalano was immediately assigned to
General George S. Patton's famed 3rd Army, serving in the 70th Infantry
Division, known as the "Trailblazers"; and

WHEREAS, In 1944, Sergeant Anthony Catalano and his division endured
83 consecutive days of fierce combat, including participation in the
infamous Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes Forest of France, where
they fought in sub-freezing temperatures, often without proper winter
gear or supplies; and

WHEREAS, Amidst unimaginable conditions, Sergeant Anthony Catalano
demonstrated extraordinary leadership, ingenuity, and courage-ordering
his men to melt snow for water and bartering his rations for chocolate
to sustain his unit until reinforcements and supplies arrived; and

WHEREAS, As his division advanced through Belgium and Germany,
Sergeant Anthony Catalano and his soldiers marched for miles on foot
through snow and slush, enduring fatigue and exposure, with many
suffering from trench foot; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Anthony Catalano's Company was among the American
forces that liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp, bearing witness to
the atrocities of war and forever carrying the weight of that
experience; and

WHEREAS, Following the war's end in Europe, Sergeant Anthony
Catalano served an additional four years with the U.S. Group Control
Council in Berlin, assisting in the establishment of a provisional

German military government and helping to restore order and governance
in postwar Europe; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Sergeant Anthony Catalano continued
his life of public service, joining the Federal Aviation Administration
as an air traffic controller at LaGuardia Airport and Idlewild Airport
(now John F. Kennedy International Airport), where he rose to the
position of Assistant Chief Controller before retiring in 1973; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband to his late wife, Linda, who passed away
in 2009, Sergeant Anthony Catalano has remained active in his community
and continues to share his wartime experiences with students and civic
groups, helping to educate younger generations about the meaning of
duty, sacrifice, and patriotism; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Anthony Catalano remains an esteemed and active
member of VFW Post 5253 in Albertson, New York, where he is held in the
highest regard by his fellow veterans and community members alike; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Nassau County and the Village
of Mineola will host a Birthday Car Parade passing by Sergeant
Catalano's home at 501 Nancy Road, Mineola, to celebrate his remarkable
milestone and to express the community's profound gratitude for his
service and example; and

WHEREAS, Having reached his 105th year, Sergeant Anthony Catalano
stands as a living symbol of courage, resilience, and dedication-his
life a testament to the enduring strength of the American spirit; 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 Sergeant Anthony Catalano upon the occasion of his 105th
Birthday, to extend heartfelt appreciation for his valiant service to
the United States of America, and to wish him continued health and
happiness in the years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant Anthony Catalano.