World War 2 Veteran Dies
World War 2 Veteran Dies tragically on his way to a commemorative event in France honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Robert "Al" Persichitti, a 102-year-old Navy veteran, suffered a medical emergency aboard a ship headed for Europe. He was airlifted to a German hospital but passed away the following day.
A Life of Service and Humility
Mr. Persichitti was remembered as a "great, humble man" who bravely served his country in the Pacific theater during World War II. Honor Flight, a veterans organization he belonged to, confirmed his passing and commended his dedication.
This non-profit organization is dedicated to reuniting veterans with the battlegrounds where they fought.
World War II veteran, 102, dies on his way to D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in France https://t.co/k8AXd5Xx8f
— LBC (@LBC) June 6, 2024
Honored Veteran Selected for D-Day Anniversary
World War 2 Veteran Dies after being chosen by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans to attend the D-Day anniversary event in Normandy. The museum funded and organized the entire trip for Mr. Persichitti.
Excitement for the Trip Cut Short
Before his departure, Mr. Persichitti expressed his enthusiasm for the trip in an interview with a local news station, WROC-TV. He even mentioned receiving approval from his cardiologist to travel.
Fellow Veteran Shares Final Moments
Al DeCarlo, a fellow veteran who served alongside Mr. Persichitti in Japan, was also on the trip. DeCarlo assured local media outlets in Rochester that his friend passed away peacefully with a doctor present during his final moments. According to DeCarlo, the doctor played Frank Sinatra, Mr. Persichitti's favorite singer, on their phone to comfort him.
World War 2 Veteran Dies with a legacy of service and community engagement. The two men fought together on Iwo Jima, a pivotal island captured by the US from Japan in 1945.
A Zest for Living and Sharing Experiences
Mr. Persichitti's friend of 46 years, Pastor William Leone, described him to WHAM-TV as someone with "a real zest for living." Leone added how Mr. Persichitti frequently visited local schools to share his wartime experiences with students. The veteran was also a former teacher himself.
In April, students from a local school organized a birthday celebration in his honor. Recognition for his service came in 2020 when he was inducted into the New York State Senate's Veteran Hall of Fame by then-Senator Rich Funke. His local Honor Flight chapter in Rochester expressed their deep sorrow at his passing.
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