NY J03261

John Russell Reitano (February 6, 1926 – March 21, 2005) enlisted in the United States Army on November 2, 1943, and served as a gunners mate during World War II, including service during the liberation of the Philippine Islands.

Reitano received the American Theater Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Asiatic Pacific Medal for his military service.

Upon discharge on May 7, 1946, he returned to New York, married Dorothy Berlingieri, and worked for various employers including Wooltex, Golub Corporation, and Walmart.

Reitano was active in his community as a VFW Post 6928 Past Commander, member of the Italian Fraternal Hall and Veterans of Lansingburgh, and a talented musician who led the Dixieland Ambassadors and Johnny Rei Trio.

The New York State Legislature commends Reitano posthumously for his patriotic service and directs transmission of an engrossed copy of the resolution to his family.