Mourning the death of Thomas Joseph Belcastro, distinguished veteran, dedicated public servant, respected civic leader, and beloved family patriarch

Senate Resolution No. 2236

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

        MOURNING  the  death  of  Thomas Joseph Belcastro,
        distinguished  veteran,  dedicated  public  servant,
        respected civic leader, and beloved family patriarch

  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  this
great Empire State; and

  WHEREAS,  Thomas  Joseph Belcastro died peacefully on March 5, 2026,
surrounded by the love of his family,  after  a  life  distinguished  by
devoted  public  service,  military honor, professional achievement, and
unwavering commitment to his family and community; and

  WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Belcastro was born on  January  5,  1940,  in
Kingston, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph and Margaret Belcastro; and

  WHEREAS,  Following his graduation from Kingston High School, Thomas
Joseph Belcastro answered the call to serve his nation by  entering  the
United  States  Navy  shortly  after  his  seventeenth birthday, proudly
serving from 1957 to 1961; and

  WHEREAS, During his naval service, Thomas  Joseph  Belcastro  served
primarily  aboard  the USS DeSoto and was recognized as a plank owner of
the vessel, carrying  forward  a  proud  family  tradition  of  military
service  inspired  by his brother, Eugene, a World War II naval officer;
and

  WHEREAS, Upon receiving  an  honorable  discharge  from  the  United
States  Navy,  Thomas  Joseph  Belcastro  embarked  upon a distinguished
professional career with International  Business  Machines  Corporation,
where  he served for more than three decades, including as Europe/Middle
East/Africa Division Manager, working in White  Plains,  New  York,  and
Paris, France, and earning membership in IBM's Quarter Century Club; and

  WHEREAS,  Following his retirement from IBM, Thomas Joseph Belcastro
continued his professional pursuits with The  AB  Wolle  Corporation  in
Scarsdale, New York, eventually becoming the owner of the company; and

  WHEREAS,  Deeply  committed  to civic engagement and public service,
Thomas Joseph  Belcastro  dedicated  many  years  to  local  and  county
government and Republican Party leadership in Westchester County and the
Town of North Salem; and

  WHEREAS,  Thomas Joseph Belcastro served with distinction as a North
Salem Town Councilman for 16 years, Deputy Supervisor, Chairman  of  the
North Salem Republican Committee, long-time Treasurer of the Westchester
County Republican Committee, and Chairman of the United States Selective
Service System Appeal Board for New York State District 556; and

  WHEREAS,  Thomas  Joseph  Belcastro also devoted himself to numerous
civic and charitable organizations, including the Katonah  Rotary  Club,
where he served as both a member and past president; and


  WHEREAS,  Known  for  his  wisdom,  integrity,  and calm leadership,
Thomas Joseph Belcastro earned the admiration and respect of colleagues,
neighbors, friends, and family alike through his  generosity,  guidance,
and steadfast devotion to public service and community betterment; and

  WHEREAS,  Thomas  Joseph  Belcastro is survived by his beloved wife,
Beth; his sons, Nicholas  Belcastro  and  Daniel  Belcastro,  and  their
wives;  his  sisters,  Marlene  Moses and Dona Klein; his nine cherished
grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren; and

  WHEREAS, He  was  predeceased  by  his  brother,  Eugene  Opet;  his
sisters,  Frances  Martin  and  Dorothy  Knelly;  his infant son, Thomas
Belcastro Jr.; his daughters, Jean-Marie Belcastro and Annette Belcastro
White; and Irene Belcastro; and

  WHEREAS, The passing of Thomas Joseph Belcastro  leaves  a  profound
void  in  the  lives  of  his family, friends, colleagues, and all those
fortunate enough to have known him; however, his legacy  of  patriotism,
leadership,  kindness,  and  dedication  to  community service will long
endure; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn   the   death   of   Thomas   Joseph  Belcastro,  recognizing  his
distinguished life of military service, civic leadership,  and  devotion
to family and community; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas Joseph Belcastro.