Honor Salvatore J. Costanzo

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.