Sgt. Michael V. Sulsona

Michael V. Sulsona, 74, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mike Sulsona served as a Marine in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, as a rifleman in an infantry unit. On January 15, 1971, while on patrol, Sergeant Sulsona stepped on a detonated land mine. The explosion resulted in multiple wounds, including the amputation of both his legs above the knee. Due to his courageous sacrifice for his country, Sergeant Sulsona received an honorable discharge in October 1971, after receiving a promotion to Sergeant and being awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In the following years, Sergeant Sulsona attended college and graduated with honors from Goddard College with a Master's Degree in Writing. In 1989, he received the prestigious Kennedy Center Award for playwriting. and later appeared in the Academy Award-winning movie, ''Born on the Fourth of July'', and the documentary, ''Hearts and Minds''. He also received a national award for his play, ''Who We Are/How We Love'', and has been nominated for a Writers Guild of America Screenwriting Award for his script, ''North of Manila''. In his 40 plus years home, Sergeant Sulsona has spent much of his time and energy on veterans in need. He always puts others before himself, helping fellow veterans who are suffering from Agent Orange exposure, as well as the homeless, amputees, burn victims and those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Sergeant Sulsona assists with paperwork, making phone calls and keeping appointments, and is available 24/7 when needed. Sergeant Sulsona is also a member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 NY, where he volunteers his time and energy to help veterans from all wars. Sergeant Sulsona and his late wife, Frieda, were both avid community volunteers. Above all, what was most important to Mike was his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, who he adored. He was the beloved husband to the late Frieda, who passed away on April 24, 2026. Loving father to Vincent Sulsona and Philip Sulsona. Devoted grandpa to Lucas Michael Sulsona and Madison Mary Sulsona. Dear brother to Frank Sulsona. Mike is also survived by many loving cousins and cherished friends. The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 9:00 pm. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. . A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Rd Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated. www.t2t.org

Sgt. Michael V. Sulsona

December 5, 1951 - September 5, 2026