Senator Jeremy A. Cooney selected Greece resident Larry Strassner as his 2026 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes veterans whose service extends far beyond their time in uniform. An induction ceremony was held in May.
“Each year, I have the privilege of inducting a local veteran into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” Cooney said in a social media post. “This year’s honoree, Larry ‘Gunny’ Strassner, is nothing short of exceptional. A longtime volunteer throughout Rochester, his service didn’t end with the Marine Corps. I’m humbled to help recognize Gunny for his unwavering dedication to our community and his lifelong commitment to service.”
Larry Strassner was born on May 22, 1947, in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Edison Tech High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He served on active duty until 1972 and continued his service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve until 1976, ultimately achieving the rank of E-7, Gunnery Sergeant.
Following boot camp, advanced infantry training, and military schooling, Mr. Strassner was first stationed at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. He later served as a Sergeant in Vietnam (Chu Lai) from December 1967 through March 1969 as an Avionics Electrician, maintaining fixed-wing aircraft, including the F4B Phantom II. During this time, Mr. Strassner was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 13, VMFA-323 “Death Rattlers.” He also flew several missions in the UH-1E “Huey” helicopter as a door gunner. In 1968, he was wounded when a 122mm rocket exploded in his hootch (living quarters).
Mr. Strassner earned numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three devices, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Naval Achievement Medal with Combat “V,” Purple Heart, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with three devices, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, New York State Conspicuous Service Star, New York State Medal for Merit with Silver Shield, and the New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal. He later returned stateside and was stationed at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, before being honorably released from active duty.
Professionally, Mr. Strassner built a distinguished 41-year career with General Motors and Delphi Corporation as a Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor. He furthered his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning degrees in Mechanical Engineering in 1975 and Electrical Technology Engineering in 1985.
A dedicated volunteer, Mr. Strassner designed theatrical stage sets for the Greece Central School District and local theater groups for approximately 12 years, beginning in 2008. He has also served in leadership roles with American Legion Post 468, VFW Post 4658, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20. Since 2009, he has been a devoted Honor Flight Rochester volunteer and trip leader, reflecting his unwavering respect for fellow veterans.
Prior to deploying to Vietnam, Mr. Strassner married Sandra in 1967, and together they had two daughters, Christine and Terri. In 1986, he remarried Juliann, and together they welcomed another daughter, Rebecca.
