Senators Gallivan & Helming, Assemblymember Byrnes Honor Rapone Family for Service in WWII

Senator Patrick Gallivan, (R-C, Elma), Senator Pam Helming, (R-C-I, Canandaigua) and Assemblymember Marjorie Byrnes, (R-C, Caledonia) joined members of the Rapone family to formally dedicate a portion of State Route 36 in the Village of Caledonia as the WWII Rapone Brothers Memorial Highway.

The designation honors the Rapone family and their six family members who served our nation during WWII.  Private Patsy Rapone was killed in action in 1944 and posthumously received the Purple Heart.  Seaman First Class Rocky Rapone was injured in the Pacific theater in 1945.  Private George Rapone, Private Peter Rapone and Seaman Louis Rapone were injured off the coast of Anzio, Italy.  Sergeant Joseph Rapone also served during the war. 

Louis Repone, the only surviving brother, attended the dedication along with members of his extended family.

“Our community can never repay the Rapone brothers for the service they provided and the sacrifice they and the family endured in defense of our country,” Senator Gallivan said.  “Dedicating this highway in honor of the Rapone brothers recognizes their bravery and commitment to duty and will stand as a reminder to all of the contributions of these members of the Greatest Generation.”

“The Rapone brothers showed incredible courage, dedication, and patriotism. Renaming Route 36 in their honor is a small way for the State of New York to thank their family and acknowledge their sacrifice. As a Caledonia resident, I was honored to have a part in passing this legislation,” said Assemblymember Byrnes.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the Rapone brothers and their families. The Rapone brothers exemplify patriotism and service. It’s not just that they served, but how they served – with remarkable courage, integrity, and selflessness. And with an unparalleled devotion to their fellow Americans and their country. This highway dedication is an enduring reminder to every generation of what The Greatest Generation did for all of us,” said Senator Helming. 

“I am so privileged to be part of such a family that has given and sacrificed so much for our country. I want to thank everyone involved in making this dedication possible today,” said Robert Rapone, a Vietnam veteran and son of Joseph Rapone.

Senator Gallivan sponsored legislation to dedicate the highway in 2022, when his Senate District included Caledonia.  The Village is now represented by Senator Helming.  Assemblymember Byrnes sponsored the bill in the State Assembly. The measure was signed into law last November.

The portion of Route 36 to be renamed stretches from Graney Road to State Route 5 in Caledonia and is designated by signs along the highway. 

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