SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND & DONOVAN ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO RENAME STATEN ISLAND’S SOUTH SHORE POSTAL FACILITY IN HONOR OF LEONARD MONTALTO, SANDY VICTIM AND BELOVED POSTMAN; WITH BILL NOW HEADED TO PRESIDENT’S DESK, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND & DONOVAN CALL FOR BILL TO BE SWIFTLY SIGNED INTO LAW
For 31 Years, Montalto Served As a Postal Worker in Tottenville; Montalto Also Worked As Secretary & Treasurer for Local Branch of American Postal Workers Union
Schumer, Gillibrand & Donovan: Renaming Post Office Will Rightly Honor Montalto’s Commitment to Public Service & SI Community
Staten Island, N.Y. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today announced that the legislation to rename 3031 Veterans Road West on Staten Island in honor of Leonard Montalto has passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for final signature. Montalto, who worked as a postal worker on Staten Island, was tragically killed during Superstorm Sandy when his house was flooded by storm surge. The lawmakers today said that renaming the post office after Leonard Montalto will rightly honor his dedication to the American Postal Workers Union and the Staten Island community. Schumer, Gillibrand and Donovan are calling on the President to swiftly sign this bill into law.
“Leonard Montalto was a family man and a true blue Staten Islander who dedicated his life to public service and the American Postal Workers Union. Passage of this legislation is a terrific Christmas gift for the Montalto family, as renaming this post office after Leonard Montalto will be a lasting tribute to his service, and allow his legacy to live on in an enduring way,” said Senator Schumer. ”The real heroes of this city are the people like Lenny who go to work every day, coach their kids’ teams and make the neighborhood a better place for everyone. I hope that the President swiftly signs this bill into law so that Leonard Montalto’s name adorns the South Shore Annex of the Post Office as soon as possible.”
“The renaming of South Shore Annex Post Office would pay tribute to a dedicated public servant, involved member of the community, and a devoted father,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Post Office would honor Leonard Montalto’s life and would be a fitting tribute in the community he held near and dear. As we continue to rebuild our communities from tragedy, this designation would preserve the memory of a man who played an important role in the lives of so many people on Staten Island.”
“Staten Island lost an honest, hard-working family man when Superstorm Sandy took Leonard Montalto, and I’m proud to have shepherded this bill through the House. He earned this simple gesture to honor his life and memory. I ask the President to sign the legislation as soon as possible,” said Rep. Donovan.
The Montalto family said, “Our family would like to thank all involved in bringing this incredible honor to fruition. We are eternally grateful that our father's memory will live on in such a beautiful and relevant way. Our father was a hardworking and loyal employee of the USPS and member of the APWU. We witnessed firsthand the care and dedication he had for helping his fellow employees in any way he was able, and couldn't think of a better way for his memory and his name to live on amongst those he worked with.”
Leonard Montalto grew up in Oakwood Beach, Staten Island and was a graduate of New Dorp High School. He has been described as a devoted father of three, who coached his daughters’ travel soccer teams and hosted family barbeques. For 31 years, Montalto worked as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service at a mail processing station in Tottenville. In addition, Montalto served as secretary and treasurer of his local branch of the American Postal Workers Union. At the time of his death, Montalto was running for Union President.
The legislation was introduced by Schumer and Gillibrand in the Senate and by Donovan in the House of Representatives. Specifically, the bill designates the postal facility at 3031 Veterans Road West on Staten Island the “Leonard Montalto Post Office Building.”
Leonard is survived by his three daughters, Angela, Nicole and Ashley Montalto; his sister, Patricia Snyder; former wife, Angela Montalto; and newly born granddaughter, Lena.
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