West Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) announced that legislation establishing the Steve Nicoli Memorial Highway has passed in both the Senate and the Assembly. Steve Nicoli, an Army veteran, was known for his public service and dedication to his community and country. After completing his military service, he assisted local veterans in need and established the Hudson Valley Honor Flight in 2011, working with then-Mayor of Walden Brian Maher.

In 2021, Steve Nicoli passed away suddenly. His legacy continues through the honor flight program and various other initiatives he supported. The newly named highway is a stretch of road used by every honor flight escort as they enter New York–Stewart International Airport. This designation aims to memorialize Nicoli's lifetime of service to veterans and their families.

“The passage of this legislation is very personal to me,” said Maher. “Steve was a patriot, a partner in community service, and a dear friend. 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. Over 10 years later, Hudson Valley Honor Flight continues to grow and have a profound impact on veterans, their families, and communities throughout the entire Hudson Valley region and tri-state area. This legislation will ensure future generations always know the Hudson Valley Honor Flight program never would have happened without the vision and dedication of Steve Nicoli.”

The Nicoli family expressed their gratitude: “Our hearts ache every day for the loss our family has endured. Steve was a father, brother, son, friend, fiancé and so much more to so many. Aside from being a father, Steve’s service to our country and his passion and appreciation for other veterans was his driving force in life. Steve woke up every day wanting to honor and serve other veterans. Words cannot express how thankful we are to Assemblyman Brian Maher, Sen. Rob Rolison, and all those who helped make this dedication to Steve’s memory possible. Nothing will ever ease the pain we feel but naming this particular section of state highway has such special meaning to us and the entire honor flight family."

Since June 2012, Hudson Valley Honor Flight has conducted over 30 successful missions serving over 2,000 World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War veterans as well as terminally ill veterans from other conflicts. The headquarters remains based on Main Street in Walden Village.