Congressman Joe Crowley, joined by Councilman James Vacca at a ceremony yesterday to present a statement of Congressional Record and an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to the family of late World War II veteran and Lawrence Keane Post Commander, Lou Durante, who passed away on February 22, 2014 at the age of 85.. As a member of the post, Durante was a strong advocate for Bronx veterans and dedicated much of his time to the upkeep of the war memorial in Keane Square Park.
“Lou Durante epitomized the spirit of selflessness,” said Crowley. “Lou devoted much of his life to making sure those who gave back to our community and country were never forgotten. It is only fitting that we now make sure his legacy lives on and honor his contributions to the Bronx community and our great nation.”
“Lou Durante was a great American patriot, veteran and Bronxite,” said Vacca. “Whether he was fighting in World War II or acting as Commander of the Lawrence Keane Memorial Post 1498 in Pelham Bay, his time was always spent in service to his country or community. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
“Our family can’t thank Congressman Crowley enough for honoring my father,” said Rosemarie Tangredi, Durante’s daughter. “This is a special day that we will never forget. My father would have been humbled by this recognition.”
Below are Congressman Crowley’s remarks as submitted for the record:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and service of Lou Durante. Lou was a beloved member of the Bronx community and passed away this year at 85 years of age.
“Lou was born in East Harlem and lived most of his life in Pelham Bay. He was immensely proud of his country and served with distinction and valor during World War II, when he was stationed in Europe. After finishing his service, Lou returned to the United States and began his career as an electrician. He also joined the Lawrence Keane Memorial Post 1498, where he was a member for 65 distinguished years, recently serving as Commander.
“I will never forget the passion that Lou displayed for his fellow veterans, past and present, including his efforts to recognize deceased veterans on a monument in Keane Square Park. While visiting the monument during one of the annual ceremonies that Lou put together, I could see firsthand how lucky the Lawrence Keane Memorial Post and the Bronx were to have someone like Lou, who did so much for his community.
“Lou’s efforts went far beyond the monument at Keane Square Park. He also made sure current Bronx veterans and residents had a second home at the Lawrence Keane Memorial Post. Year after year, Lou worked with local leaders and elected officials to ensure the post had the funding necessary to remain a place where both veterans and community members could come together.
“Mr. Speaker, Lou’s commitment to both community and country was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all of us. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Commander Lou Durante. May he rest in peace.”
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