Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that he presented a citation to Ralph Fabozzi – a local World War II veteran – for his service to the nation and to celebrate his 100^th birthday.

“I’m honored to present a citation to Ralph Fabozzi for his exemplary service to our great nation,” said Santabarbara. “After serving our country, Ralph returned to make a life for himself here in Amsterdam where, for decades, he has been an upstanding member of his community. I’m proud to present this citation on the occasion of Ralph Fabozzi’s 100^th birthday celebration, and continue working to ensure all veterans have access to the resources they need.”

Born on Sept. 21, 1921, in Amsterdam, Ralph Fabozzi served in the Air Force for three and a half years as a B-17 and B-29 aircraft mechanic during World War II. He served in Mississippi, Texas, California and Florida during his tour of duty, earning the rank of corporal. After his service, Fabozzi settled in Amsterdam with his wife and daughter and took a job at Mohasco Industries, where he worked for 27 years as a Wilton carpet cleaner until its closing. After Mohasco Industries closed, Fabozzi worked for the New York State Thruway Authority until his retirement.

A former member of the U.S. Army Reserve and member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Santabarbara has a long history of fighting for veterans and their families. He helped secure $5 million for the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Support Project in the 2021-22 state budget and co-sponsored and helped pass a law that supports the unique needs of veterans by expanding the number of veterans treatment courts across New York State (Ch. 91 of 2021). To find more information about available benefits, veterans and their families are encouraged to visit nyassembly.gov/Santabarbara or call Santabarbara’s Schenectady district office at 518-382-2941 or Amsterdam office at 518-843-0227.