Senate Resolution No. 1658

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Thomas Peter DiGiorgio 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 Thomas
Peter DiGiorgio 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

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, Born on June 8, 1931, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Thomas
Peter DiGiorgio was the son of immigrants, Pietro and Agostilia
Roccatani DiGiorgio, who imparted the values of hard work, fairness to
all, a love of good home-cooking and homemade vino; and

WHEREAS, While attending Thomas Edison High School, Thomas Peter
DiGiorgio was trained as a cabinetmaker, a skill which would serve him
well into his 80s; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Peter DiGiorgio enlisted in the United States Navy
on May 29, 1951, in New York, New York, where he proudly served aboard
the USS Destroyer Escort Willard Keith, DD775, as a Metalsmith (ME2);
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Korean War, this
extraordinary man was the proud recipient of the National Defense
Ribbon, Navy Occupation Medal, Korean Medal and United National Medal;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Thomas Peter
DiGiorgio relocated to New York, raising his family in Rockaway Beach
and Coram, Long Island; and

WHEREAS, A truly skilled and self-employed carpenter and builder,
Thomas Peter DiGiorgio worked as Proprietor of Dee's Hardware and Lumber
in Coram, as well as a Construction Manager on numerous projects,
including homes, restaurants and gas stations throughout the eastern
United States; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Thomas Peter DiGiorgio moved to Rensselaer County,
New York, where he lived with his daughter; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Peter DiGiorgio loved the beach and was an avid
amateur ballroom dancer, winning many dance competitions; in 2018, he
received a Veterans Creative Arts Recognition for his dancing; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his significant other, Anne Popielarski in
2000, and his sister, Anna Romel in 2013, Thomas Peter DiGiorgio is
survived by his four children, Diane DiGiorgio, Peter DiGiorgio, Thomas
DiGiorgio Jr., and Patricia Widhalm; as well as five grandchildren,
Kaitlin (Katie), Thomas, Kristen, Bradley and Ryan; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas Peter DiGiorgio 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 Thomas Peter DiGiorgio 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 Thomas Peter DiGiorgio.