Senator Robach Inducts Frank Nicolazzo into NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

State Senator Joe Robach is proud to announce the induction of Frank Nicolazzo, an active member in the Rochester veteran community, to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Tuesday, May 24. This honor is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces is complimented by their service to the community and their accomplishments as a civilian.

“The New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame gives special recognition to distinguished individuals as a way to express our deep gratitude and admiration” said Senator Robach. “I have been fortunate to have known Frank Nicolazzo for a number of years; his dedication and love for his nation, his comrades and his community speaks for itself. He is certainly most deserving of this great honor.”

Frank Nicolazzo was born in Calabria, Italy in 1931 and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1936. He was inducted in the U.S. Army in September 1952 and served as a member of the 700^th Ordinance Company, 45^th Infantry Division.

While in the service, Frank earned the Korean Service Medal with two battle stars, the United Nations Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense ribbon. Most importantly to Frank, however, he also received his U.S. citizenship papers. Frank was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant.

Frank joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1988, with membership in the Thomas F. Healy Post #16. His steadfast leadership gained him a two-term tenure as VFW County Commander, and 8^th District Commander, an area that encompasses Monroe and Wayne counties, as well as the Finger Lakes region.

In 1989, Frank joined 35 other Korean War Veterans to form Monroe County #1 Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association. One of the missions of this group was to create a lasting memorial for all those who served and died during the Korean War. A few years later, Frank was part of the creation of the Commemorative Park alongside a well-traveled highway on Monroe County’s east side. A final step in Frank’s efforts to make sure the lives lost during the Korean War, “The Forgotten War”, were not forgotten was the renaming of NY Route 441 as “The Korean War Memorial Highway”.

Mr. Nicolazzo was inducted into the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Tuesday, May 24 in the Legislative Office Building. Each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming the contributions of these exemplary New York Veterans.