LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life of Pat Toro, former Presi-
dent of Queens Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those residents of New York State who have touched the lives of others
in a positive manner and who have made extraordinary contributions to
our communities and to our society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Pat Toro, the former President of the Vietnam Veterans of
America Chapter 32 in Queens, New York, died on July 3, 2014, at the age
of 65, from myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer arising from his
exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country in Vietnam in 1969
and 1970; and
WHEREAS, A decorated Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran, former member
of the New York Police Department, retired Port Authority criminal
investigator, and long-time Forest Hills resident, Pat Toro was dearly
loved and respected for his work in the community and for his activism
on behalf of veterans in Queens and the surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, In addition to leading Queens Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 32 for many years as President, Pat Toro served as the Vietnam
Veterans of America New York State Council Southern District Leader and
as Director of the Vietnam Veterans of America National Board of Direc-
tors, where he was deeply involved in advancing government affairs; and
WHEREAS, It was largely through the efforts of Pat Toro that the Viet-
nam Moving Wall was brought to Juniper Valley Park in June of 2012,
enabling all local residents and veterans to view this affecting tribute
to the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country in
Southeast Asia; and
WHEREAS, Among many other efforts to improve the lives of his fellow
veterans and provide all former members of the United States Armed Forc-
es with deserved respect and dignity, Pat Toro was particularly well
known for his campaign to prevent indigent veterans from being buried in
unmarked graves at Potters Field without proper recognition of their
sacrifice and service to their country; and
WHEREAS, Pat Toro was a native of the Borough of Queens, attending
Aviation High School and living most of his life in Forest Hills before
only recently moving to Narrowsburg, New York; and
WHEREAS, Pat Toro is survived by his cherished wife, Evelyn Medina
Toro, a son, Michael Toro, and a daughter, Joann Marie Toro; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his life, Pat Toro was known as a dedi-
cated son of Queens, an ardent advocate for the needs of his fellow
servicemen and servicewomen, and a devoted husband, father and friend to
many; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the memory of Pat Toro and his legacy of contributions to our
communities, our State and our Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Pat Toro.