Memorial created to honor industry stalwart, Michael Mezzucca.

The Subcontractors Trade Association has voted to create a memorial to honor industry stalwart, Michael Mezzucca, who died March 4 at the age of 60.

Mezzucca, a former trade president, contractor and humanitarian, was president of Regional Scaffolding & Hoisting Co. Inc ranked19th overall in specialty contracting in the Tri State area, in 2003.

He gave generously of his time to the industry as past president of BTEA and STA and as the 2004 chairman of the BTEA Joint Industry Safety Committee, chairman of the STA Insurance, and Payment Practices Committees. He was also a member of the Building Industry Advisory Council and a director and vice president of the Hoist Trade Association of New York. He also served as a Trustee of the New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds.

"We will sorely miss his leadership and support," said Ronald Berger, executive director of STA. "He will always be remembered as an icon and legend of our industry."

On March 9, to pay tribute to his contribution to the industry, the STA Board voted to create a memorial in his honor and an annual award.

The first Michael Mezzucca Construction Industry Achievement Award will be given at the STA's annual award dinner May 15.

While his dedication to the industry was well known, Mezzucca's workday didn't stop at 5 p.m. He was also an avid volunteer, winning several humanitarian awards.

avid volunteer, winning several humanitarian awards.

He will perhaps be remembered most for his dedication to the Boy Scouts of America, where he was registered member of for 32 years. He received several national awards for his dedication and service to youth in the Scouting program including the Silver Antelope, the Silver Beaver, the Whitney Young Award, and the George Meany AFLCIO Award. The Boy Scouts Court of Honor presented him with National Heroism Award in 1990 for saving a life. He served on the Executive Boards of three Scout Councils and is past president of the Hudson- Delaware Council, and currently Executive Vice President of the Bronx Council.

"He gave not only his own personal funds, but was involved in monthly board meeting making sure Scouts continued going to summer camp and the program continued," said Rick Martin, Borough Scout Executive from Bronx Boy Scout Council. "He was a very important part of what we do. He will be missed. I will personally miss him. He helped hundreds of boys."

Mezzucca gave his leadership skills and his time to many worthwhile organizations. The late Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New York, presented him with the Bronze Pelican Award in 1987 for his spiritual development of Catholic youth. In addition, the United States Congress has recognized his leadership and service to the community with a Certificate of Appreciation. In 1995, Mezzucca was recognized as man of the year by the Catholic War Veterans of NYS.