Pat Toro, 64, Worked To Honor Service
Veterans and Queens leaders mourned the loss of Pat Toro, a long-time advocate for those who served the Armed Forces, who succumbed to leukemia last Thursday, July 3, at the age of 65.
A Vietnam War veteran, retired Port Authority criminal investigator and Forest Hills resident, Toro was involved in bringing attention to veterans and remembering the sacrifices they made since his retirement.
He served as the president of the Queens chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) for many years, advocated bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Juniper Valley Park, and successfully set up the tribute there in June 2012. Toro was also southern district leader and national director at large for VVA as well.
The Vietnam Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and has been traveling the country for almost three decades. Built by John Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers, it went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October, 1984, according to the website, themovingwall.org. Two parts of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November nd spend about a week at each site.
Toro also campaigned for the creation of a Queens Vietnam Veterans memorial at Elmhurst Park, but those efforts stalled at the time of his death.
“[Toro’s] devotion to VVA has set a standard for all of us. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Pat’s family,” American Legion Queens County Adjutant-elect Paul Schottenhamel said in announcing Toro’s death last Thursday. “Pat will be sorely missed by family, friends and the veteran community, but he will forever be remembered.”
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Toro,” Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said. “A Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Pat served his country with courage and valor. It was an honor to have known Pat Toro, and I can say with certainty that he will be remembered as a leader, humanitarian and an American hero. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
“Last week we lost one of the strongest and most ardent advocates for veterans I have ever met, Pat Toro,” said State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, ranking member of the State Senate’s Veterans Committee. “His devotion and commitment to our country and to the needs of our veterans will always be admired. I was blessed to have worked with Pat as a City Councilman and as a State Senator. I will never forget his tenacity and compassion for working towards improving the lives of all veterans. May God bless Pat Toro and his family.”
Toro is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and other family members.
A wake was held Tuesday, July 8, followed by a funeral Mass at Our Lady Of Hope Church in Middle Village on Wednesday, July 9. He was laid to rest alongside fellow veterans at Calverton National Cemetery in Suffolk County, it was noted.
