Carmine DiPasquale was a community hero.
The town of Greenburgh recently lost one of the leaders of our Greenburgh Veterans Advisory Council- Carmine DiPasquale. His passing is devastating to Greenburgh veterans who appreciated his dedication, patriotism, and his desire to help any fellow veteran who needed assistance cutting through government red tape. Carmine’s passing is also a big loss to the entire Greenburgh community. It’s people like Carmine who make our town the special place it is.
He joined the United States Navy from 1959 -1962 aboard the Destroyer USS Willard Keith in a 5-inch gun turret crew. He served during the Cold War and was actively engaged in the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought two superpowers, the USA and Soviet Union to the brink of war. He participated in important naval blockades, which prevented missiles from reaching Cuba and threatening the USA. His awards included the National Defense Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Forces Medal. As a result of his service, he suffered PTSD, COPD, permanent hearing loss and other medical issues.
In 1985 he moved to the Town of Greenburgh, New York, where he became an active member of several military organizations including: the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 16 as Treasurer: American Legion; Vietnam Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2012 he joined the Greenburgh Veterans Advisory Committee.
Carmine not only put his life on hold to serve his country but continued to serve his fellow veterans by his unending willingness to help veterans every day of his life. He would take veterans to West Point for a tour to apply for access and services; assisted in crisis situations; participated in numerous veteran ceremonies in Greenburgh, and around Westchester County, including military funerals, holiday functions, fundraisers, placed flags on military graves; served meals, girl scout cookies, thanksgiving baskets and other goodies to veteran hospitals/homes. Carmine organized monthly meetings of fellow veterans at Town Hall.
Carmine looked for veterans everywhere he went, gave his card, asked if they needed assistance with veteran affairs and invited them to meetings. He would willingly give out his cell number to any veteran that might need help. He earned the nickname “The Good Shepherd”. He was the epitome of “Veterans helping Veterans”and always told them “You are not alone”.
In 2022 Carmine was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame for his military service, and unending commitment to the veteran community.
Carmine was born in the Bronx to Italian immigrants, grew up in Mt. Vernon and Yonkers. He has worked as a Regional Sales Closer in various fields. He was pre-deceased by his three children, John, Carmine Jr., and Annemarie.
Carmine is survived by his sister Susan DiPasquale, his former wife, Marie Cassanelli, grandchildren and cousins, along with his longtime partner, Mary Ann DeToma and her son Robert DeToma.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
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