By Bill Parry
Astoria honored two of its oldest residents: Sal Gagliardo was celebrated for his service to the country and community on the occasion of his 100th birthday, and his much younger friend, Luke Gasparre, was honored as well at the age of 90.
Both men were recipients of Bronze Stars for bravery during World War II and returned home to serve Astoria civically and politically.
“I’ve known these men pretty much all of my life,” featured speaker Peter Vallone, Sr. said. “I couldn’t imagine Astoria without them. They’re all that’s good about this place.”
The event was sponsored by the Catholic War Veterans Post #1 and it drew more than 100 veterans, community activists, family and friends to the Hellenic Federation at 22-51 29th St. last Friday.
“To have that many people turn out on such a cold night says a lot about those two men,” Astoria Civic Association President Antonio Meloni said. “It was really heartwarming to see.”
Gagliardo saw combat in both the Pacific and European Theaters. “He fought after Pearl Harbor and returned home to train with the OSS because he spoke Italian, then they sent him to work with the Italian partisans against the Nazis,” Meloni said. The Office of Strategic Services was the forerunner of the CIA.
“Then he comes back and becomes the first president of the Astoria Civic Association and spends decades on Community Board 1,” Meloni said.
Vallone, who represented Astoria on the City Council for more than three decades, added, “I put him on City Planning because of his brilliant mind and here he is 100 years old and he just left the Community Board two months ago!”
Gasparre was a combat soldier who served in Europe where he saw fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
“At one point he was in combat for five straight months,” Meloni said.
Gasparre became the longtime leader of the Tamiment Democratic Club and various other civic groups.
“These men spoke not of their bravery and sacrifice but of their thanksgiving for being alive,” Vallone said. “They’re wonderful guys, always with a warm smile for everyone, and at age 90, Luke is still the best dancer I’ve ever seen.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.
