Senate Passes Fuschillo Resolution Memorializing the Life of Freeport Veteran Eddie “Ed” Monroe

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate recently passed a legislative resolution memorializing the life of Freeport veteran Eddie “Ed” Monroe, who passed away on May 30, 2012 the age of 80. Mr. Monroe was a World War II veteran, an aviation pioneer, and Past President of the Claude B. Govan Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen

     “Ed Monroe was a devoted member of the Freeport community and possessed a great love for his country, serving them both with distinction. Whether it was as a member of the Army or the Freeport school board, Ed Monroe never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need. I’m pleased that the Senate paid tribute to an incredible man who leaves behind an incredible legacy,” said Senator Fuschillo, who sponsored the resolution.

     Mr. Monroe served our nation for 22 years as a master combat pilot in the United States Army, flying combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the military in 1976 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

     Mr. Monroe served his community in the same dedicated manner he served his country. He moved to Freeport with his wife and family in 1976 and developed deep roots in the community. He was the first African-American member of the Freeport school board, an administrator at both Nassau Community College and Columbia University, a member of the Rotary Club, and proprietor of Ed’s Plumbing Services and Environmental Engineering Associates.

     Mr. Monroe is survived by his wife Betty, his three children Pamela, Marilyn, and Eddie Jr., his five grand-children, 1 great-grandchild, and two brothers, James and Carl.

     With the Senate passage of the legislative resolution, Ed Monroe’s accomplishments and record of service will forever be part of the New York State Senate’s official record.

Copy of Legislative Resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 5131

BY: Senator Fuschillo

MOURNING the death of Eddie Monroe, retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army 

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, Eddie "Ed" Monroe of Freeport, New York, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Raised in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Ed Monroe earned his Bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College in 1954 which was the same year he left for the Army; he would fly in combat missions in Korea and Vietnam retiring as a master combat pilot; and

WHEREAS, Ed Monroe earned a master's degree in science education from Hofstra University and a master's degree in education from Columbia University in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Retiring from the United States Army in 1976, Ed Monroe moved to Freeport that year and ran for the school board, becoming its first African-American member in 1977; and

WHEREAS, Ed Monroe distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A great leader, Ed Monroe was Past President of Claude B. Govan Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, a retired administrator at both Nassau Community College and the Teachers College at Columbia University, a former proprietor of Ed's Plumbing Services and Environmental Engineering Associates; in addition, he was a Rotarian and a member of the 100 Black Men; and

WHEREAS, Most recently receiving the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Ed Monroe's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Ed Monroe is survived by his wife, Betty, his children, Pamela, Marilyn, and Eddie, Jr., his five grandchildren, his great-grandchild, and two brothers, James and Carl; and 

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, his life was a portrait of service, a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Eddie Monroe, retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Eddie Monroe.