Rep. Nicole Malliotakis remembers Lee Covino as a ‘true American patriot’

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R – Staten Island/South Brooklyn) honored a U.S. Army veteran who served Staten Island and the nation for decades as a tireless advocate.

Lee Covino passed away earlier this week at the age of 72.

“Lee was a true American patriot who dedicated his entire life to service of others, and I know I speak for our entire community and city when I say his commitment to fighting for our veterans is extremely appreciated,” Malliotakis said from the House floor.

Malliotakis was filmed standing next to an enlarged photo of her and Covino, as she spoke about his life and his impact in a C-Span clip.

“Our office sends our deepest condolences to his daughter Mariel, and three grandchildren, Melina, Michael, and Samantha, as they grieve this tremendous loss — but they should rest assured that today they are in the history books of [the] United States Congress and that his legacy of service and dedication will inspire us all as we continue to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of our veterans.”

She is the second elected official to offer words about Covino’s passing, with state Sen. Chuck Schumer (D – NY) issuing a statement yesterday.

“It’s surreal that someone like Lee who brought so much tireless energy to his advocacy, and who embodied the values of a servant’s heart and spirit, has now departed from us, but his memory will live on in the work that continues to ensure Staten Island veterans are properly honored for their sacrifices,” said Schumer.

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1970-71 during the Vietnam War, Covino began his career as a veterans affairs adviser, serving three borough presidents and working with elected officials across the state to support former service members.

In July 1990, he was appointed to the Cabinet of former Staten Island Borough President Guy V. Molinari, where he served as the veterans affairs adviser and director of contracts and procurement. He continued his tenure in the administration of Borough President James P. Molinaro, and with Borough President James S. Oddo, until his retirement in March 2014.

Working with the borough presidents, he helped coordinate annual Fleet Week activities, developed Operation Vet Care, which brought the VA’s outreach van to minority-based areas on Staten Island; Operation Vet Call, which assisted vets with resume development and job search through the State Department of Labor; and Operation Vet Link, that assisted veterans with learning basic computer skills through free courses donated by local business schools.

Covino played a major role in bringing the Vet Center and the VA Clinic to Staten Island, as well obtaining a Staten Island bus link to the VA Hospital in Brooklyn.

Covino was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Catholic War Veterans, AMVETS, the NYC Veterans Alliance and the 369th Veterans Association. Covino also served as treasurer of the United Staten Island Veterans’ Organization Inc., an umbrella group of Staten Island veteran organizations that sponsors the annual Memorial Day Parade.