LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing the life and accomplishments of
Leonard W. Peluso, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Leonard W. Peluso a longtime resident of Staatsburg, New
York, died on Saturday, September 25, 2004, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Leonard W. Peluso was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on
October 31, 1915; and
WHEREAS, He was the proud son of Francesco and Antoinette DePaolo
Peluso, and one of 13 children; and
WHEREAS, He graduated from the St. Peters Boys School and Poughkeepsie
High School in Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, He attended and graduated from the Hudson River State Hospi-
tal School of Nursing in 1939, earning a degree in nursing; and
WHEREAS, Leonard W. Peluso was employed as a registered nurse before
retiring in 1977, after 42 years of dedicated service to the Hudson
River State Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his illustrious career, Leonard W. Peluso served
honorably as a member of the United States Army as part of the 32nd
Medical Battalion and the 231st General Hospital Unit during World War
II in both the European and Pacific theaters from February 1942 to Janu-
ary 1946, achieving the rank of First Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, His military service earned him many decorations including
the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, European-Af-
rican-Middle Eastern Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippines
Liberation Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, He married Rena R. Porfirio on September 19, 1948, at St.
Paul's Church in Staatsburg, New York; they were married for 56 years at
the time of his passing; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Staatsburg, Rena R. Peluso, died
Monday, July 10, 2006, at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Leonard W. Peluso was a life member of the John Livingston
American Legion Post 1466 where he served as Vice Commander and
Chaplain; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served as Dutchess County American Legion
Commander from 1986 to 1987, as well as Chaplain and Trustee; was a
member of the Dutchess County Veteran Affairs Committee; and served as a
Life Member, Trustee, and Chaplain of former VFW Post No. 6916 in
LaGrange, New York; and
WHEREAS, From 1977-1978, Leonard W. Peluso served the Town of Hyde
Park as a Councilman, and was a member of the Hyde Park AARP; and
WHEREAS, Leonard W. Peluso devoted countless amounts of time in
service to his community through the Golden Age Singing Society, Hudson
River State Hospital Nurses Alumni Association, Hudson River Psychiatric
Center Historical Association, Dinsmore Fire Hose Company, Staatsburg
Rescue Squad, Staatsburg Board of Fire Commissioners, and Dutchess Coun-
ty Fire District Officers; and
WHEREAS, He remained committed to being a first responder in countless
ways including as an American Red Cross Local Volunteer First Aid
Instructor and past Chapter Service Representative, along with being a
nationally registered American Red Cross Disaster Services Volunteer;
and

WHEREAS, Leonard W. Peluso was always a proud American and New Yorker
who was happy to serve his nation, his state, and his local community
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by seven brothers and three sisters, Leonard W.
Peluso is survived by two daughters, Maria Carparelli (Michael), and
Theresa Rosencrans (Jeffrey); two sons, Leonard R. Peluso (Beatrice),
and Peter J. Peluso (Karen); four grandchildren, Tina Denu (Kevin),
Alyson, Jessica and Matthew Peluso; and three great-grandchildren, Gran-
ville Denu, Danielle Denu, and Natalie LoPresti; one brother, Vincent
Peluso (C. Gina); and a sister, Regina Peluso; as well as many nieces
and nephews; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grate-
ful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of this
courageous veteran and healer who dedicated his purposeful life and
career in faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize the life and accomplishments of Leonard W. Peluso, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Leonard W. Peluso.