Editor’s Note: Watch a video of the dedication ceremony here.
Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and Sen. Peter Harckham (D-40th Senate District) hosted a dedication ceremony on Friday, Jan. 24, to commemorate the naming of the New York State Police barracks in Somers, New York, in honor of the late Robert J. Castelli. A decorated Army veteran and public servant, Castelli served with distinction in Vietnam before beginning a 21-year career with the New York State Police. He later represented northeastern Westchester County in the state Assembly, where he was known for championing bipartisan solutions and advocating for veterans’ issues.
The ceremony featured remarks by Maj. Mark Nielson, family members and elected officials, as well as the presentation of a joint proclamation to Castelli’s family. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a plaque by the New York State Police in Castelli’s honor.
“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.”
“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 Sen. Peter 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.”
“I’d like to thank Assemblyman Slater, Senator Harckham, and the NYS Troopers for this great honor, recognition and tribute to my husband Robert J. Castelli,” said Jeannete Castelli. “He loved the Town of Somers and valued being a State Trooper.”
“51 years ago today, on January 24, 1974, Trooper Robert J. Castelli joined the long gray line and became a member of the New York State Police,” said Maj. Mark Nielson, Troop Commander of Troop K. “During his 21-year State Police career, he was assigned to several stations here in his home Troop, including SP Somers, before retiring from the State Police in August of 1995 as an Investigator assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. 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.”
Congressman Mike Lawler said, “Bob Castelli was a model public servant in the State Assembly. A Vietnam Veteran who came home and served 21 years with the New York State Police, he set an incredible example for every New Yorker. Renaming the Troop K Barracks in Somers after Bob is but a small token of our appreciation for his life of service.”
Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano said, “Robert Castelli was a dedicated public servant who consistently sought ways to contribute to the community. When he moved back to Somers, he came into my office to ask how he could help. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed to the Assessment Board of Review. It was an honor for me to be present at the naming ceremony of the Somers State Trooper barracks in his honor, recognizing his service to our town, state, and country.”
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