Senator Harckham, Assemblymember Slater Honor Former Assemblymember Robert J. Castelli at NY State Police Barracks

The plaque commemorating Robert J. Castelli. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham

New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Matt Slater joined State Police officers and community members at the New York State Police headquarters for a special ceremony on Friday, Jan. 24, when a plaque dedicated to the life and legacy of Robert “Bob” J. Castelli was unveiled.

Castelli, who passed away in May 2024 lived a life dedicated to public service. He joined the Army at age 17 and served in the Vietnam War in the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. After returning home he joined the New York State Police and served as a trooper, sergeant, investigator and station commander.

Later, Castelli served as an elected official. He was elected to the Lewisboro Town Board before serving two terms in the New York State Assembly.

Friday’s ceremony began with remarks from State Police Major Mark Nielson, followed by tributes from Senator Harckham, Assemblymember Slater, Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano, and Castelli’s wife Jeanette and son Christian, culminating in the official unveiling of the plaque.

State Sen. Pete Harckham with (l-r) Assemblymember Slater, Jeanette Castelli and Major Mark Nielson. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham

“The term patriot is floated around far too cavalierly these days, but if you were to look in the dictionary for the definition of patriotism, there would be a photo of Bob Castelli,” said Harckham. “He was a good man and an upstanding leader in the community. I was proud to call a friend, and he will be dearly missed.”

“It was an honor to remember and celebrate the life of my dear friend and mentor, Bob Castelli, today,” said Slater. “Bob exemplified service in every sense of the word from his service to our country in Vietnam to his decades of dedication to law enforcement and public office. He believed in building bridges and finding common ground to make life better for the people he served. Naming the Somers barracks in his honor is just one way of saying thank you to him and keeping his legacy alive.”

New York State Police Major Mark Nielson said, “Fifty one years ago today Trooper Robert J. Castelli joined the long gray line and became a member of the New York State Police. At the time, as a Vietnam veteran, he was no stranger to service. During the next 21 years of service he was assigned to several stations here in his home troop. In retirement, he continued to serve his community. On behalf of Superintendent Steven G. James and all the members of the New York State police it’s our privilege to provide a permanent place to recognize the service of Robert J. Castelli.”

In a heartfelt reflection, Jeanette Castelli shared, “No matter where he went he always came back to Somers, where he loved and lived for many years,”

Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano remembered, “When Bob moved back to town he came into my office, sat down and asked, ‘How can I help’. That’s just the type of person he was.”

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