EGN NEWS DESK
Robert Persichitti, a 102-year-old World War II US Navy veteran, died final week whereas on his technique to France to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of D-Day, in line with Honor Flight Rochester, a veterans group.
Persichitti was a “great, nice, humble man,” who was “simple to speak to,” mentioned Honor Flight Rochester President and CEO Richard Stewart, who informed CNN he realized of his buddy’s dying final Friday.
“We miss him,” mentioned Stewart.
While Persichitti handed away sure for Normandy — the place the Allied forces’ touchdown on June 6, 1944, laid the inspiration for the defeat of Nazi Germany — he served within the Pacific as a radioman aboard the USS Eldorado, Stewart mentioned. His tour of obligation included Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guam, in line with Stewart and the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, into which Persichitti was inducted in 2020.
Persichitti fell ailing final week throughout a cease in Germany whereas headed for Normandy, Al DeCarlo, a buddy who was touring with Persichitti, informed CNN affiliate WHAM. Persichitti was airlifted to the hospital and died quickly after, DeCarlo mentioned.
Persichitti had coronary heart issues prior to now, “however for 102, I’d say he was in excellent well being,” Stewart informed CNN.
Persichitti was born in a coal mining city exterior Pittsburgh, Stewart mentioned, describing his buddy’s “humble, poor beginnings.” After the warfare, Persichitti labored as a carpentry teacher in Rochester, New York, in line with the Veterans Hall of Fame, and in 1972 obtained a level from SUNY Buffalo.
