Robert Persichitti, a 102-year-old World Struggle II US Navy veteran, died final week whereas on his solution to France to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of D-Daybased on Honor Flight Rochester, a veterans group.
Persichitti was a “great, nice, humble man,” who was “simple to speak to,” stated Honor Flight Rochester President and CEO Richard Stewart, who instructed CNN he discovered of his good friend’s loss of life final Friday.
“We miss him,” stated Stewart.
Whereas Persichitti handed away sure for Normandy — the place the Allied forces’ touchdown on June 6, 1944laid the muse for the defeat of Nazi Germany — he served within the Pacific as a radioman aboard the USS Eldorado, Stewart stated. His tour of obligation included Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guam, based on Stewart and the New York State Senate Veterans Corridor of Fameinto which Persichitti was inducted in 2020.
Persichitti fell ailing final week throughout a cease in Germany whereas headed for Normandy, Al DeCarlo, a good friend who was touring with Persichitti, instructed CNN affiliate WHAM. Persichitti was airlifted to the hospital and died quickly after, DeCarlo stated.
Persichitti had coronary heart issues previously, “however for 102, I might say he was in excellent well being,” Stewart instructed CNN.
Persichitti was born in a coal mining city exterior Pittsburgh, Stewart stated, describing his good friend’s “humble, poor beginnings.” After the conflict, Persichitti labored as a carpentry trainer in Rochester, New York, based on the Veterans Corridor of Fame, and in 1972 acquired a level from SUNY Buffalo.
