Assembly Resolution No. 1193

BY: M. of A. Woerner

MOURNING the death of James R. Peluso, Vietnam War
veteran, and devoted member of his family and
community

WHEREAS, With feelings of deep regret, this Legislative Boy records
the passing of James R. Peluso who died on Monday, February 16, 2026, at
the age of 76; and

WHEREAS, A combat Vietnam veteran, James "Jim" R. Peluso dedicated
his life to supporting fellow veterans, serving his community, and being
a devoted family man; and

WHEREAS, Jim Peluso, who was born on August 13, 1949, the oldest of
nine children, and the son of the late Rocco and Jane (Swatling) Peluso,
grew up and lived his entire life in Mechanicville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon his high school graduation in 1967, Jim Peluso
volunteered for U.S. Army and Airborne training, then proudly served
with Company A of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, known as
the "Iron Rangers," of the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam from
1968-1969; and

WHEREAS, Wounded in action in 1968 and again in 1969, Jim Peluso was
awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Combat
Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Rifle Badge, National
Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, and New York State Conspicuous Service Cross; and

WHEREAS, Following his return from Vietnam, Jim Peluso met Susan,
his wife of 51 years; together, they had four children and 10
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Hudson Valley Community College (A.S.),
Marist College (B.S.) and SUNY Rockefeller institute of Government
(M.S.), Jim Peluso was appointed by the Governor of New York to serve as
State Director of the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs, and
later served as Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans program; and

WHEREAS, After retirement, Jim Peluso was recruited to serve as the
New York State Director of Operations for Soldier On; he also served as
National Vice President and Legislative Chair of the National
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, as well as on
President Clinton's Veterans Roundtable, and as State Legislative Chair
and Board Member of the New York State Council for Vietnam Veterans of
America; and

WHEREAS, A life member of the Disabled American Veterans Military
Order of the Purple Heart and the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era
Veterans, Jim Peluso was a staunch advocate for veterans and their
families for over 40 years; and

WHEREAS, In his hometown, Jim Peluso continued to dedicate his time
to veterans causes and to ensuring their remembrance through the
rededication of Patenaude Park and the Veterans Bridge; he also assisted
in raising funds for the placement of a monument to Mechanicville
veterans at the Saratoga National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, A truly dedicated man of service, Jim Peluso volunteered
his time to serve two terms as City Council Commissioner of Finance, as
Chair of the City Civil Service Commissioner, and as President of the
Mechanicville Community Center for 10 years, among many other local
organizations and posts; his further involvements included The American
Legion Post No. 91, the Elks Club, and his time as Grand Knight of the
Mechanicville Council Knights of Columbus; and

WHEREAS, Jim Peluso, despite his myriad involvements, still found
time to coach Little League baseball, become a New York State Hunter
Safety Instructor, and hold membership at the Schroon Lake Fish and Game
Club and the Stillwater Rod and Gun Clubs; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose life work and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of James R. Peluso, who left behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of James R. Peluso.