ALBANY – Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) remembers Steve Nicoli as an American patriot, but more importantly, a dear friend we lost too soon.
Nicoli died suddenly three years ago at the age of 42. A U.S. Army veteran, Nicoli was passionate about assisting veterans and established Hudson Valley Honor Flight in 2011 with Maher. Maher was proud and moved to announce that a portion of New York State Route 747 will be named Steve Nicoli Memorial Highway.
State Route 747 is part of the route that the Honor Flight takes each year en route to New York Stewart International Airport.
“By naming this roadway in Steve’s honor, it will forever memorialize his lifetime of service to our veterans and their families,” said Maher, who worked on the legislation to establish Steve Nicoli Memorial Highway with Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie). While there was a group of us that co-founded Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Steve was the heart and soul behind the project and the true founder of the organization. This legislation will ensure future generations always know that the Hudson Valley Honor Flight program never would have happened without the vision and dedication of Steve Nicoli.”
Since June 2012, Hudson Valley Honor Flight has had more than 30 successful honor flight missions. More than 2,000 veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts, as well as terminally ill veterans have taken part in the flight. Hudson Valley Honor Flight continues to serve thousands of veterans and their families through their flight day operations, volunteer opportunities, and other services.
In a statement, the Nicoli family said: “Words cannot express how thankful we are to Assemblyman Brian Maher, Senator Rob Rolison, and all those who helped make this dedication to Steve’s memory possible. Nothing will ever undo the pain that we feel, but naming this particular section of state highway has such a special meaning to us and the entire honor flight family. This legislation being passed helps our family fill a void in our hearts with thoughts of celebrating a life well lived.”
