SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND PUSH TO RENAME STATEN ISLAND’S SOUTH SHORE POSTAL FACILITY IN HONOR OF LEONARD MONTALTO, SANDY VICTIM AND BELOVED POSTMAN
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 Announce Senate Bill to Designate South Shore Annex Postal Facility As “Leonard Montalto Post Office Building”
Schumer, Gillibrand: Renaming Post Office Will Rightly Honor Montalto’s Commitment to Public Service & SI Community
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced their Senate bill to rename Staten Island’s South Shore Annex of the Post Office in honor of Leonard Montalto. Montalto, a postal worker on Staten Island, was tragically killed during Superstorm Sandy when his house was flooded by storm surge. The Senators 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.
“Leonard Montalto was a family man who dedicated his life to public service and the American Postal Workers Union. Naming 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. “Leonard Montalto was a true blue Staten Islander. 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 am proud to introduce this bill in the Senate and I will continue fighting tooth and nail until Leonard Montalto’s name adorns the South Shore Annex of the Post Office.”
“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 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 Lenoard Montalto. He earned this simple gesture to honor his life and memory. I’m proud to partner with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in this bipartisan effort,” said Rep. Donovan.
“Our family feels such gratitude to all those who have worked on this bill. We witnessed our father's passion for his work with the USPS and the APWU on a daily basis; he even encouraged us to join him at rallies and watch him speak on behalf of others. We know that our father would be very happy and honored knowing that the South Shore Annex will be named after him. Our father's memory will live on among those who loved and knew him best,” said Angela Montalto, daughter of Leonard Montalto.
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 the American Postal Workers Union. At the time of his death, Montalto was running for Union President.
Schumer and Gillibrand’s legislation designates the postal facility at 3031 Veterans Road West on Staten Island the “Leonard Montalto Post Office Building.” Rep. Dan Donovan introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
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