OUR 2025 PARADE HONOREES
GRAND MARSHAL
James Hendon
Colonel United States Army Reserve,
Commissioner of the City of New York Dept. of Veterans’ Services
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James Hendon serves as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, an agency charged with fostering purpose driven lives for US Military Service Members—past and present—in addition to their caregivers, survivors, and families. Previously, James served as Director of NYU’s Veterans Future Lab, a small business incubator for practicing and aspiring entrepreneurs who are US Military Veterans, Department of Defense affiliates, and Veterans’ Spouses.
A Veteran entrepreneur himself, James is also the CEO of the Energy Economic Development Corporation, an organization that provides green jobs workforce development training throughout the NYC region. Prior to that, James served as the COO for BlocPower, a Department of Energy-sponsored firm that helps nonprofits, small businesses, and faith centers perform energy efficiency retrofits. He previously worked as an Associate in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Deutsche Bank.
Before entering the civilian workforce, James spent seven years in the US Army as an ActiveDuty Infantry Officer where he deployed as a Mortar Platoon Leader and Battalion Public Affairs Officer to Iraq (2005), worked as an Admissions Officer for West Point (2006-2007), and served as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan Border Police in Afghanistan (2007-2009).
James is a 2002 graduate of West Point, a 2012 graduate of Harvard Kennedy School and Columbia Business School, and a 2015 graduate of the Earth Institute’s Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability.
James serves on the board for the Council of Urban Professionals’ Fellows Program; he himself wasnamed a CUP Fellow in 2014. He is a Truman National Security Project Fellow (2016), an Environmental Leadership Program Fellow (2016), and a Presidential Leadership Scholars Fellow (2022). Hendon
serves on the Advisory Board for NYU’s Clean Start Program and is a member of One Hundred Black Men of New York.
As a drilling US Army Reservist, James, a Colonel, currently serves as a Civil Affairs Team Member in the 353rd Civil Affairs Command. He previously served as a Joint Exercise Planner for the Exercises and Coalition Affairs Directorate of US Southern Command. Prior to that, he commanded 1 st Battalion, 411th
Regiment, 4th Cavalry Brigade—a logistics support battalion. Prior to that, he served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science for the CUNY Army ROTC Program and then as New York City Lead for the 75th Innovation Command.
James and his wife Christine have two young children—Grace and David.​​
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Man of the Year
​​William Bart
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Bill Bart lived in North Eastern Queens most of his life.
In his youth, he was a member of St. Kevin’s Sea Cadets Marching Band. On every Memorial Day, he participated in the American Legion Post 510 Parade, where he played in the band and marched on Bell Boulevard in Bayside.
While he attended Bayside High School, he volunteered to help maintain the War Memorial that stands in front of the Bayside Railroad Station. He continued to volunteer for its maintenance even when it was again moved to the Clearview Expressway and Northern Boulevard. For Bill, helping out with matters that addressed anything to do with the memory of a departed soldier or individual who protected his beautiful America was an honor and a pleasure for him.
After graduating from the New York Institute of Technology, Bill became a teacher at LaGuardia College and the Real Estate Institute, where he taught and ran his Home Inspection Business.
Bill continues to help his community. His most current affiliation was to assist in raising several million dollars together with his football alumni and local politicians to upgrade and remodel the Bayside High School Athletic Field, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
For the last twenty years, Bill has volunteered to arrange the golf carts and cars that transport all those brave individuals that you see and honor in our Annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade.
Woman of the Year
Celeste Beccalori
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Celeste’s family moved to Douglaston when she was 10 years old. Truly a product of the community. She attended St. Anastasia, Mary Louis Academy, and St. John’s University, where she achieved an MS in Education. Her career began as an educator, but then she heard the call to adventure and joined Trans World Airlines as an international crew member, benefiting from worldwide travel. After marrying her husband, Steve, she joined management and continued her career path as Manager of Inflight Services; Administration, and Labor Relations, and ultimately as Director of Hotel Administration and Operations, finally retiring from TWA/American Airlines, who took over the company.
Continuing the dance of life, Celeste freelanced as a Title Closer; and worked as a political campaign activist; charitable organization fundraiser; St Anastasia fundraiser, and annual parish event organizer. She was instrumental in initiating St. Anastasia’s Outreach Program, whose ministry was to assist the elderly in the community. Celeste was honored by being personally selected to give the celebratory retirement speech at the former pastor’s retirement mass. She served on the Boards for the Woman’s Club of Douglaston as Program Director and on the Douglaston Club as Membership Director. Celeste has supported many charitable organizations locally and worldwide and honored the underprivileged in lower Manhattan with an annual Christmas party. Oftentimes, you could see Celeste with her loving black lab serving as therapy for the Little Neck Home residents or at Brandywine Assisted Living listening at the piano with senior residents. Additionally, she served as a committee member for the DMA’s 100th Anniversary Gala, and last year was inducted as a member of the Ladies of Charity USA.
Celeste and her husband have been avid sportspersons and are now snowbirds where her charitable involvement continues South of the Mason-Dixon Line. In recent years, Celeste has written a Journal and poetry of her experiences with thoughts of publication.
Community Service Award
Harry Dietrich
Bio
A long-time resident of Little Neck since the 1960’s, Harry Dietrich is a husband, father, cat-dad, and educator at heart. Harry is a 1962 graduate of Woodhull Preparatory School, and acquired his bachelor’s degree at Queensborough Community College as part of the class of 1965. While at Woodhull Preparatory, Harry met and later married his high school sweetheart, Martha, who sadly passed away on November 1st, 2022. The two created a family of two children (Sarah and Harry), a granddaughter, and four cats: Buddy, Little One, Whitefoot, and Mom. Harry has also worked in marine operations and was a marine dispatcher.
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In 1970, Harry joined the Little Neck-Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps, Inc. (LNDCAC) at 27 years old. During this time, newspapers cost 15 cents, and ambulances were Cadillacs. He originally wished to join a Nassau County volunteer fire department, as his grandfather was a member with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), but was unable to do so due to residing outside of Nassau County. Thus, he became a member of LNDCAC. Three years later, Harry became one of the first ten thousand, amongst now more than half a million, to become a New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), acquiring a 5-digit state certification number (010xxx).
In 2019, during National EMS Week, Harry was nominated by the corps’ general membership to share his story, journey, and wisdom beyond the call. “Memorable moments with the corps are many…Delivering a baby has to rank as one of the highlights of any EMT. I have delivered three. Doing CPR and reviving a patient is amazing. Just being on a call and helping out the patient and their family was a reward enough. I have enjoyed mentoring young corps members and watching them grow and mature. I have enjoyed being a corps member through all its ups and downs. I hope we continue to grow in membership and continue to serve our community.”
In 2020, amid the global pandemic, Harry was highlighted as NY1’s New Yorker of the Week, celebrating his 50 years of service at the corps.
Aside from supporting the agency’s operations, Harry’s favorite part of being with LNDCAC has been mentoring first responders in high school and college. "It makes me laugh sometimes when I find out, ‘Oh he’s going to be a PA or a doctor.’ It’s encouraging, it makes me feel good. It makes me feel good that I continue on teaching.”
Regardless of all the challenges the corps faces, Harry has been there to support each member from when they first step foot through the door, to when they leave to pursue their goals. Having previously served as Chief of Operations, Treasurer, 1st Vice President, and President, Harry is extremely well-versed with the agency.
Harry has shown himself to be one of the most valuable investments and assets of the agency, guiding and leading generation after generation. He has seen, for 55 years, several pairs of boots pass in and out through the doors. He spent 45 years as an EMT, and with the state requirement to recertify every 3 years, Harry has recertified 15 consecutive times to remain active. While no longer on the ambulance, Harry continues to be involved with the corps in the present day as an Active Associate.
Harry is truly a member of the community, dedicating most of his life, not only to serving those in medical need, but providing guidance to those beyond his own time. Now at 81 years old, Harry continues on as a mark of leadership, inspiration and mentorship.
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Parade Marshall
William Isaacson
WWII Veteran USN
Bill Isaacson is not new to the Bayside community or to Bayside High School. As a resident, he lived on 73rd Avenue close to Bell Boulevard and served as a Teacher of Spanish in the Department of Foreign Languages of Bayside High from 1959 until the date of his retirement in 1985. From 1975 to 1985, he was Chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages while conjointly serving as a Grade Advisor. When enrollment was so large that it became necessary to have three sessions – early mid and late – and a staff of 224 members of the faculty and 10 custodians – he served as Interim Principal. To a French, Spanish, German and Latin curriculum, Bill added five more languages including Supervisor of the English as a Second Language Program before he retired.
Following boot camp, he was Honor Graduate of the Signalman class of June 1944 at Sampson, New York, which led to his appointment as Admiral Sherman’s Flag Command aboard the USS (BB-63) Missouri. He also served as Signalman on the USS (BB-40) New Mexico, a battleship of World War I, the aircraft carrier USS (CV-6) Enterprise, the USS (BB-64) Wisconsin, and the USS (CVE-60) Guadalcanal in the Flag Command of Admiral Fechteler. The USS (CVE-60) Guadalcanal was a converted aircraft carrier that brought back to the United States the first contingent of 500 former prisoners of war from Yokohama Bay after the Peace Treaty with Japan was signed aboard the USS Missouri, on September 8, 1951.
Mr. Isaacson currently lives at North Shore Towers, Floral Park, New York, enjoying his two children, Brian and Beth, and his grandson, Justin. He is entitled to wear the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Victory Medal. He is a member of the USS (BB-63) Missouri Association and of the American Legion Post 103.
In case there are Cuban Americans who are reading this, Mr. Isaacson is in the process of donating the maquette by Anna Hyatt Huntington of Jose Marti, the Liberator of Cuba, that stands in Central Park to the Museum of the City of New York.
Parade Marshall
Brian Levings
Vietnam Veteran USMC
Born on December 9, 1945, to Thomas and Cathleen Levings, Brian J. Levings grew up on Morgan Street in Little Neck as one of 13 siblings, where the values of hard work and family were instilled early on. A proud alumnus of St. Anastasia School and Bayside High School, Brian has carried these principles throughout his remarkable life of service.
In 1963, Brian embarked on his distinguished military career by joining in the United Sates Marine Corps. He honed his skills at Parris Island, advanced his infantry expertise at Camp Lejeune and complete aviation raining in Memphis, Tennessee. His service took him from his first duty station at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to the fighter squadron VMF (AW) 212, where he served aboard the USS Oriskany during pivotal operations off the coat of Vietnam. After his active duty concluded in 1967 & honorable discharge in 1969--Brian continued to server his country with unwavering dedication.
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Transitioning to civilian life, Brian demonstrated the same commitment in every endeavor he pursued. Whether working with Lockheed Aircraft at JFK, tending bar at the Terrace Club, or successfully managing and auto repair business, he consistently brought his characteristic diligence and heart to his work.
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Since 1968, Brian has been an integral part of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #4, where his 57 years of service--including roles as Captain, Department President, Chaplain, and now Assistant Treasurer--stand as a testament to his enduring commitment to community, safety and welfare.
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A lifetime member of the Verterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and The American Legion, Brian's passion for service extends into his civic life. As an elected official in the Town of North Hempstead, he serves as Commissioner of Belgrave Water Pollution Control and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in our community.
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A home, Brian has shared 45 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Jill, since their marriage in 1981. Together they have built a loving family, blessed with two children and five grandchildren.
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Parade Marshall
Carlos Simonetti
Vietnam Veteran USMC
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Carlos was born in 1947 in Harlem, NYC. He briefly lived in Puerto Rico as a child and then returned to Manhattan. He then moved to the South Bronx, when he was a teenager.
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At the age of 17, Carlos joined the Marines. After basic training, he was sent to Montford Point, Camp Lejune to undergo food services training as a steward. The title was later changed to cook. Thereafter, he transferred to Danang, Vietnam with the first Marine Airwing. In around 1966, Carlos worked mostly nights doing mess duties and at times served as a Guard in the airfield base perimeter. He returned to stateside and was stationed in Quantico, Virginia.
He was unhappy working as a cook and applied for Marine Security Guard School (MSG). To apply, he had to extend his enlistment an extra year. After successfully completing MSG school, Carlos was sent to San Jose, Costa Rica. The job consisted of patrolling embassy grounds protecting personnel and property. Because Carlos was bilingual in Spanish, he was sent to San Jose spending three years there instead of one year. The job also involved him looking for exposed classified material unprotected, protecting it when found and issuing a citation (they call it a “pink slip” because it was pink and not a nice thing for the responsible employee.) One night, while sitting at his desk next to the embassy door during closing, he noticed groups of employees returning in a panic back to their work sites. He was confused and had a puzzled look on his face. A diplomat whispered into his ear “Do you know why they are returning?” He replied “No”. He whispered, “They call you eagle eyes”. I told him I understood. Carlos worked in the embassy until 1969 and from there he returned stateside to receive his honorable discharge as a SGT.
After his service years, Carlos worked as a store detective for Brooks Brothers. He later worked part-time while going to John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He worked part-time as a security guard and undercover agent. After graduating with a B.A., Carlos worked as a bilingual ROR Interviewer (Release on Own Recognizance) traveling to the court detention areas and police precincts. The job was to interview defendants prior to arraignment to determine their extent of community ties and report to the judge. Later he worked as a supervisor for ROR interviewers in Queens Criminal Court. Carlos also worked as a provisional Spanish interpreter in the Civil Court in Manhattan. He later became a permanent interpreter in the criminal court but later was transferred to the Manhattan Civil Court. There Carlos was promoted to Provisional Senior Court Clerk and later became permanent.
Carlos was later promoted to Associate Court Clerk involving the supervision of automated systems for computers, printers, etc. citywide for the Civil Court.
After, he was transferred as the Supervisor for Queens Small Claims Court, and Supervisor in the General Clerk’s Office in Queens Civil Court. Carlos retired in 2007.
Carlos is married for almost 50 years. He has a son and daughter and has lots of grandchildren and still counting. He loves his country and he is grateful for the Marines. Carlos was a street kid with no future. His tough training in boot camp changed Carlos’ life 180 degrees. He also considers himself lucky to work as an MSG in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Working with highly intelligent people and diplomats motivated Carlos to go to college and also meeting American business executives and getting to know them when they came to visit the country. Carlos also protected them.
Carlos developed friendships with high-ranking officers of the country’s National Guard Police. To have traffic stopped and to receive a salute from a policeman while he drove by in a limo with diplomatic plates owned by the embassy and being called “Carlitos” was awe-inspiring for a kid who grew up in the ghetto in Manhattan. Although Carlos did not fit the tall masculine image of a Marine Guard because he was little and wore glasses, he believes his knowledge of Spanish and his personality made him live up to the MSG motto “Ambassador in blue” and was one lucky guy to live in a paradise called Costa Rica. If you are reckless enough to visit one of its volcanoes and go deep into its caves, you will notice Carolo left a love message there. Luckily, volcanic fumes were not present. His life has been like the proverbial cat with nine lives but in the red. Carlos is grateful Jesus has been with me.
Also if one is curious about Carlos’ ethnic background, he is a hybrid according to a DNA test he took years ago. As with most Puerto Ricans, he is a mixture of African, European and American Indian (Taino). The name Simonetti is from the Corsican migration that arrived in Puerto Rico centuries ago. Besides being fluent in Spanish, Carlos has a working knowledge of Italian. He had to learn it in the courtship of his wife, who is Sicilian. Carlos is often mistaken for Italian, but when he tells them he is Puerto Rican some go into shock. The remnants of the old “West Side Story” days. This was prevalent in the 60’s and 70’s.
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