Former Kiwanis chief, veteran honored for service to others

Friday, December 12, 2008 -midnight

QUEENSBURY - A man who was revered regionally for his leadership in community service and known for his irrepressible cheer and positivism was honored Dec. 1 for his service to the nation.

Bearing flags and solemn expressions, a dozen war veterans in formal uniforms stood at attention Dec.1 as county and state officials recounted the military service of the late U.S. Army Air Corps soldier Anthony J. Palangi of Queensbury.

The recognition of Palangi's service to his country was the 79th "Honor a Deceased Veteran" ceremony held in Warren County since the program started in 2002.

Palangi served from Oct. 1942 to March 1946 in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

Heather Loneck, representing U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, presented Palangi's family with a U.S. flag, to be flown one month over the county Municipal Center.

"He not only served the country bravely, but he was a dynamic force in community service through the Kiwanis organization," she said, detailing Palangi's half-dozen medals, including the American Theater Medal.

Dan MacEntee, representing state Sen. Betty Little, noted Palangi's service as he presented the extended Palangi family with the state Senate Liberty Award.

"We're here to honor Anthony Palangi's exceptional valor and humanitarian achievements," he said.

The award was presented on behalf of the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Palangi was born in Italy and by the age of 10, he emigrated to the united States with his parents and two sisters, settling in the Glens Falls area. He graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1939 and attended Skidmore College in Saratoga, and the American Conservatory of Music in Schenectady.

Palangi initially worked for the Great Northern Lumber Co., the Union Paper & Bag Corp. and then spent 26 years at Jaxton Manufacturing of Glens Falls, were he retired as office manager.

Denpubs.com