LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating World War II Veteran, Richard John
Tuscani, upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on June 13,
2016

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Richard John Tuscani was born on June 13, 1916, in Corona,
Queens; for the past 40 years, he has lived in Mastic Beach, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Richard John Tuscani proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Armed Services during World War II, today, he is
one of the oldest living World War II Veterans; and
WHEREAS, Richard John Tuscani's exceptional service earned him three
Bronze Stars, one for the battle in Leyte, Philippines, one for surviv-
ing a Kamikaze attack in New Guinea, and one for the Philippines Liber-
ation; this valiant soldier also received the World War II Victory
Metal, the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation Badge and the Merito-
rious Service Award; and
WHEREAS, After returning home from his assignment, Richard John Tusca-
ni founded his own business and worked at several jobs through the years
including mail carrier, oil truck driver, New York City building inspec-
tor, city school bus driver, local dock master, and until only a few
years ago, school bus matron; he is retired from the New York City Fire
Department; and
WHEREAS, Richard John Tuscani is a history and geography buff and
spends his days reading, studying history, and watching the Yankees; he
is quick to point out that when he watched Babe Ruth play, the entry fee
was 50 cents and the subway was 5 cents; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his daughter, June, his son,
Richard G., and his late wife, Helen, all of whom have felt privileged
to be part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Richard John Tuscani was overseas when his daughter was born
and did not meet her until she was three years old; his son resides in
Bayside, New York, and commented that his father is very inquisitive,
and the smartest person he ever knew; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during
peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Richard John Tuscani has experienced the incredible joys and
sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and
courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has enriched the lives of those around
him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the
quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years;
and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last nine decades, while them-
selves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate World War II Veteran Richard John Tuscani upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard John Tuscani.