Souvenir Program 2017

Honoring our Veterans

All Gave Some

Some Gave All . . .

Remember Them This

Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

Support Our Troops Dinner - May 24 - 6:00 P.M.
Kaynor Tech Memorial Ceremony - May 25 - 9 A.M.
at Kaynor Technical School
Fort Hill Cemetery Services - May 27 - 10 A.M.
at Veterans Park, Thomaston Avenue
Gold Star Mothers Luncheon - May 28 - 11 A.M.
at VFW Post #201, 2205 Baldwin Street
Memorial Day Parade - May 28 - 1 P.M.
Memorial Day Services - May 28 - 2:00 P.M.
World War 1 Memorial, Meadow Street
Waterbury, Connecticut
 Program
Support our Troops Remembrance Dinner
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Call to Order 6:55 P.M.
! Corp. Samuel K. Beamon, Chairman
Master of Ceremonies
! John Sarlo, Vice-Chairman
Posting of Colors
! Color Guard - Marine Corps League
National Anthem - Kim Geremia
Invocation
! Chaplain - Monsignor John J. Bevins
Gold Star Mothers / Connecticut's Fallen Heroes
! Mary Kight, Connecticut Department Chair
POW / MIA Table
! Sam Beamon, Marine Corps League
Taps
Dinner Begins - Please be seated
Waterbury Veterans Committee Report
! Bob Dorr, Treasurer
Recognize Dignitaries / Presentation of Earned Medals
! John Sarlo to Michael J. Dalton
! Mayor Neil OLeary; Mayor Tom Dunn
World War II Recognition Awards - Bob Dorr - From 1941
to 1945, over 16,353,000 men and women served in the US
Armed Forces. Our forces suffered 1,078,162 casualties.
Representing all Veterans during that conflict are: S1c
William T. Meo; PFC Anthony P. Santucci; and PFC Horace
Tartaglia.
Korean War Recognition Awards - Jack Shea
! From 1950 to 1953, over 5,764,000 men and women
served in the US Armed Forces. Our forces suffered 136,935
casualties. Representing all Veterans during that conflict are
Korean War Veterans A1c Vincent Basile, US Air Force;
and EN3 Albert F. Cabana, US Navy; and Cpl. Wilbert W.
Kinion, US Army.
Cold War Recognition Awards - Bob Dorr
! The Cold War, often dated from 1953 to 1991, was a
sustained state of political and military tension between
powers in the Western Bloc dominated by the United States
with NATO among its allies, and powers in the Eastern Bloc
dominated by the Soviet Union along with the Warsaw Pact.
Representing all Veterans during that conflict are Cold War
Veterans E4 Arthur J. Denze, US Army; SP4 Charles M.
Harris, US Army
Vietnam War Recognition Award - Bob Dorr
! From 1959 to 1975, over 8,744,000 men and women
served in the US Armed Forces. Our forces suffered 211,471
casualties during that conflict. Representing all Veterans
during that conflict are Vietnam Veterans Sp4 Paul Beamon,
US Army; Lt. Charles E. Hoffler, US Army; T/Sgt.
Domenic A. Rinaldi, USAF; PFC Samuel C. Sanchez, USMC;
Lt. Ann Marie Szumigala, US Navy
Global War on Terror Awards - Jack Shea
! The Global War on Terror began September 11, 2001.
Representing those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are
Pvt. Karl C. Steiner, US Army; and Sp4 Kirk B. Farrow,
US Army
Global War on Terrorism Memorial - Bob Dorr
! Remembering the six men from Waterbury who
gave their lives since September 11, 2001.
Col. John G. Chiarella Patriotic Service Award - Jack Shea
! Monsignor (Capt.) John J. Bevins
! Tonight our Committee recognizes the service of
Monsignor John J. Bevins for his service to our city, state, and
nation.
Benediction - Chaplain - Monsignor John J. Bevins
Patriotic Song
! Kim Geremia
Waterbury Service Medal Presentation - Sam Beamon, John
Sarlo, Mayor Neil OLeary. Tonight we are presenting to our
area veterans the City of Waterbury Veterans Service Medal.

Adjourn - 9:30 P.M.

 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
World War II Honoree
! William Thomas Meo Sr. was
born in Waterbury on January 18, 1926,
the youngest of 4 brothers. He attended
St. Peter & Paul Grammar School and
spent a year at Leavenworth High School
while working odd jobs. He entered the
United States Navy January 13, 1944 at
age 17 and did his basic training at Naval
Training Station, Sampson, NY. Bill was
assigned to the crew of the aircraft carrier
USS Essex (CV-9) and shipped out of San
Francisco. S2c Meo was assigned to a
60mm gun. He survived many attacks by the enemy including
numerous Kamikaze, some less than 100 feet away. He continued to
serve aboard the Essex until the end of the war. Upon his discharge,
Bill worked various jobs and completed high school at Wilby. Bill met
Shirley McNaught in front of Martins Drug Store at the bus stop.
They married in August 1949.
! While living at her parents home, Bill attended Bentley
College, Boston, MA. After their first child was born, Bill and Shirley
moved to a small apartment and Bill embarked on long career in
management, working for and retiring from Bristol Hospital as
Director of Purchasing in 1988. Bill was married to his wife Shirley for
67 years until her passing in January 2017. They have two children,
Cynthia Meo and William Meo Jr., 5 grandchildren and 4 great
grandchildren. He has devoted his life to his family and to many
community organizations, including 49 years with Boy Scout Troop 3,
served as a Eucharistic Minister, and a Deacon. He was the past
President of Chase School PTA, Chairman of the Catholic Committee
for the Boy Scouts, member of the Holy Cross Fathers Club,
President of Sacred Heart High School Booster Club, and a lifetime
member of both the Knights of Columbus Sheridan Council #24 and
Elks Club Lodge No. 265. Bill was also active for many years in the
USS Essex (CV-9) Annual Ship Reunions.
! Awards: American Theater Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific
Campaign Medal w/7 Battle Stars; Philippine Liberation Medal with
2 Battle Stars; World War II Victory Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
World War II Honoree

! Horace Orry Tartaglia was

born in Waterbury on May 2, 1921 to
Pasquale and Donata Tartaglia. He was
one of nine children. Four of his five
brothers served in the military- three in
World War II and one in Korea.
Orry was drafted into the United States
Army on October 3, 1942 and reported
for duty at Fort Devens, MA. He
attended basic training in Fort Pickett ,
VA for eight weeks. After basic training,
Orry moved to Camp Pendleton in
Virginia Beach as part of the East Coast
Defense Command attached to the 111th Combat Team with the rank
of Private First Class.
! In November of 1943, Orry began Medic training at Fort
Oglethorpe, GA for twelve weeks. In February of 1944 he was
deployed to the European Theater of Operations. As part of the 672nd
Medical Collecting Company, US 5th Army, he spent one month in
Africa and was then deployed to Naples, Italy. This was the first time
he experienced the truth of war. As a young soldier, Orry was exposed
to things he never imagined he would see and spent sixteen months
in Italy attending the wounded of war. He was involved in the Rome-
Arno; North Apennines; and Po Valley Campaigns.
! Orry returned home on September 2, 1945 when the Japanese
surrendered and was honorably discharged on November 16, 1945. In
1954, Orry married Francine Kirk and they have two daughters -
Donna and Judith. Orry is very thankful to the Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee for this recognition. He is grateful to be among
those being honored at the Annual Support Our Troops Veterans
Memorial Day Dinner.
Awards: Bronze Star for Meritorious Service; American Theater
Campaign Medal; European, African, Middle Eastern Theater
Campaign Medal with 3 Battle Stars (Rome/Arno, North Appenines,
& Po Valley); 3 Overseas Bars; Good Conduct Medal; World War II
Victory Medal; and the State of CT Wartime Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
World War II Honoree

Anthony Peter (Tony) Santucci

was born in Waterbury, CT, on June
13, 1925. He was the 6th of 7
children born to Mariano and
Maria Santucci.
Tony was called to duty in World
War II by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt on August 26, 1943 and
began active service on September
15, 1943. Before going overseas in
April 1944, PFC Anthony Santucci
underwent basic training at Fort
Eustis, VA, and Fort Mead, MD. He was assigned to the Battery C
387th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion as a 2nd
Class Gunner in the 5th Armored Victory Division. Tony arrived
in Europe on April 17, 1944. He served in Normandy, France,
Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland and Germany. PFC Santucci was
honorably discharged on January 11, 1946 and returned home to
Waterbury.
! On June 15, 1946, he married the former Mary Izzi. He was
employed at Hadleys Furniture Store after the war, then went to
work as a carpenter. He worked for 13 years constructing Heritage
Village and retired as a carpenter. They have 2 sons James and
Gary, 2 grandsons, and 1 great-grandson. In June, 2016, they
celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
! His hobbies include fishing, golfing and bowling. He
bowled with the Construction League Bowling Team for many
years. He is a member of the VFW Post #7330, Davis Street,
Oakville and a member of the HolyName Society at Mt. Carmel
Church. He is a member of the Cercemaggiore Community Club.
Awards: Marksman Rifle Badge; 2nd Class Gunner Badge; 3
Overseas Bars; European, African, Middle Eastern Theater
Campaign Medal with 5 Battle Stars (Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes; Central Europe); Good Conduct Medal;
World War II Victory Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Waterbury Veterans
Korean War Honoree
! Albert Francis Cabana was
born in Waterbury, Connecticut on
July 10, 1931. He attended Webster
Grammar School and Wilby High
School. On October 24th, 1951 Al
enlisted in the United States Navy,
and completed his basic training at
Bainbridge, Md in 1952. Al then
reported to the U.S Navy ship Robert
H.McCard (DD-822) in Boston,Mass.
The USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822),
a Gearing Class destroyer was named
for USMC Gunnery Sgt. Robert H.
McCard who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for
his sacrifice in the 1944 Battle of Saipan.
! Al later served on four battle ships, the USS Wisconsin
(BB-64), the USS Missouri (BB-63),USS Iowa (BB-61), and the USS
New Jersey (BB-62), all in the North Atlantic. After Korea, Al
shippedout to the European Theater and to the Atlantic Fleet, and
in 1955 he served on the USS Nautilus (SS-571), our nations first
nuclear submarine, under the on board commander, Eugene
Wilkinson.Al was separated from the U.S Navy in 1955 at the rate
of 3rd Class Petty Officer,and was honorably discharged in 1959.
After his discharge, Al went to school studying electrical systems
and trained to be an electrician. He received his Journeyman and
Master Electrician licenses by completing his 8,000 hours of
training in his trade, and worked as a Master Electrician until his
retirement. He owned and operated Cabana Electric Company for
over 20 years. He also worked for Travelers Insurance Co. as an
electrician for 7 years. Al is a member of VFW Post #7330 in
Oakville, CT. As a pastime, Al enjoys hunting in his spare time.
Awards: National Defense Service Medal; US Navy Good Conduct
Medal; United Nations Korea Medal; Honorable Service
Commemorative Medal; the Republic of Korea Service Medal; the
US Navy Occupation Medal and the State of Connecticut Wartime
Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Korean War Honoree
! Vincenzo J. Basile was born
in Waterbury on September 30, 1931
at Waterbury, Connecticut. He
graduated from Mary Abbott
Grammar School and attended
Leavenworth High School. He
enlisted in the United States Air
Force at the age of 18 in June 1951.
He did his basic training at
Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva,
NY. From September 1951 through
March of 1952, he was in training at
Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita
Falls, Texas. From March 1952 to
April of 1952 he was training at Chenute AFB, Champaign, Illinois.
From April 1952 through September of 1952 he was Ramey AFB, in
Aquadilla, Puerto Rico. Vin also served at Forbes AFB, Topeka,
Kansas, Yakota AFB, Fusa, Japan, Goose Bay AFB, Labrador,
Canada, Lakehurst AFB, Cambridge, England, and Lincoln AFB,
Lincoln, Nebraska. His most signifiant duty was with the 307th Air
Refueling Squadron, Strategic Air Command (SAC). He served as a
Flight Engineer and Engine Mechanic (reciprocating). He flew
more than 60 missions over Japan and Korea.
! After his discharge on June 25, 1955, he returned to civilian
life and was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft as a Flight Engineer.
Vin married Anna Biello on August 1, 1959 and they have one son,
Domenic. He is a charter member of the Cercemaggiore
Community Club, a member of VFW Post #7330, Oakville, CT, and
a member of the BPOE Lodge No. 265, Waterbury. His hobbies are
aviation and building model airplanes. In the 1960s while working
at Sikorsky Aircraft, Vin travelled to the Tn S#n Nht AFB, Sai
Gon, Republic of Vietnam to supervise the delivery of helicopters
to the United States Air Force. He also worked with NASA on the
task of retrieving space capsules with helicopters. Later he was
employed by the Water Department , Watertown, CT. He retired
from the town after 10 years of service.
Awards: Korean Service Medal w/two Battle Stars; National
Defense Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Air Force
Good Conduct Medal; and the Republic of Korea Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Korean War Honoree
Wilbert Wesley Kinion was born
on September 16, 1932, In
Jacksonville, North Carolina. He
moved to Waterbury, CT and a
young child and attended
Waterbury public schools. Bill, as
he is known by his friend and
family members, joined the
United States Army at the age of
17. He did his basic training at
Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He
served in the Korean War with the 82nd Airborne Division. There
he became a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion
(Triple Nickles). On December 19, 1943, Headquarters, Army
Ground Forces, authorized the activation of the company as an all-
black unit with black officers as well as black enlisted men. All unit
members were to be volunteers. The Triple Nickles were associated
with the 82nd Airborne and continued their training and service
into the Korean War era. He held the rank of Corporal.
! While in the armed forces, Bill continued boxing, a sport he
began at age 14. He boxed in the heavy lightweight division, and
won many matches.
! After serving his country and receiving an honorable
discharge on August 7, 1953, Bill returned to Waterbury and
worked for Scovill Manufacturing and later Century Brass for 32
years. He later worked for Southbury Training School for 10 years
until his retirement. He has been a member of Mount Olive AME
Zion Baptist Church since he was a young boy. He served as a
member of their Steward Board for many years. He is also a
Member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Kellogg Lodge No. 5.
He is also a member of the Corporal William O. Wilson American
Legion Post No. 135. He is a Past Potentate of the Arabic Temple
No. 40., Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, Inc., (AEAONMS).
! He is married to Louvenia Kinion. They have nine children,
18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
Awards: Parachute Badge; National Defense Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Cold War Honoree
! Arthur John Denze was born
in Waterbury CT on March 22, 1938
and was educated at Tinker
Grammar, School, Leavenworth
High School, and the University of
Connecticut. He entered the United
States Army, National Guard on
March 15, 1959 and did his basic
training at Fort Dix, NJ. Art
completed his US Army Reserve
obligation on January 5, 1964 with
the rank of Specialist 4th Class.. While in the armed forces, Art
served as a lineman with a specialty in Field Communications.
! After his active duty service, Art was employed at the
Waterbury Republican-American as a Supervisor in the Production
Department for 41 years, retiring in 2000.
Art has volunteered for many community activities. He was an
original organizer of the Town Plot Neighborhood Association in
1994; he is a current member and former treasurer, vice-president.
and currently serving as president. He is a former Treasurer of
Neighborhoods Against Pollution; has served for 7 years with the
loaned Executive Program with the United Way beginning in 1996;
hosted and produced a weekly cable access TV show on Sky Cable
for 5 years; is the Executive Producer of My Waterbury TV Show
on cable access since 2010; and is a member of American Cancer
Society Relay for Life since 1999. Art is actively involved in
Waterburys Annual Earth Day. He has helped organize tours for
the Iwo Jima Survivors Association; served on the Community
Development Committee for the City of Waterbury 2007-2009;
served on the Finance Committee and was appointed to serve on
the Board of Assessment Appeals in 2005. Art was elected as a
Member of the Waterbury Board of Alderman for two terms
beginning in 2005-2009.
! Art has been a resident of Town Plot since 1945. He is
married to Elaine (DiBeneditto) for 57 years. They have three
children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild).
Awards: National Defense Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Cold War Honoree
! Charles Matthew Harris was
born in Waterbury on July 22, 1936.
He was educated at Washington
Grammar School, and Sacred Heart
High School. He graduated Cum
Laude from the University of New
Haven in 1975.
He entered the US Army February
24, 1956 and served with the
Military Police. He served in
Stuttgart, Germany and at the
Military District of Washington, DC
(MDW). He completed his active
duty in February 1959. Upon his discharge from the US Army,
Charles joined the Waterbury Police Department where he served
for 25 years, retiring with the rank of Captain in 1984. Charlie then
began his second career as a Security Manager for St. Marys
Hospital retiring in 1999 with 15 years of service.
Not happy with retirement, he took a job as a limousine driver
with Expressway Auto which continues to this day.
! Charlie is a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of
Columbus, and is a Past Grand Knight of Sheridan Council #24.
Charles served 9 terms as Grand Knight. He is also a Life Member
of the BPOE Lodge of Elks No. 265. He has served on the Board of
Directors of WARC for more than 20 years and served as a loaned
executive to the United Way in 1993. He also served as Chairman
of the Host Town Program of Waterbury for the 1995 Special
Olympics World Games. He served for many years as an usher at
St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church. Charlie was honored
by the Waterbury Exchange Club with its Golden Deeds Award in
1995.
! He has been married for the past 55 years to Helga Harris.
They have two children, Deborah Lusignan, and Charles (Chuck)
Harris (deceased). They have two grandchildren, Scott and Laura
Lusignan.
Awards: Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Vietnam War Honoree
! Paul Weston Beamon was born in
Waterbury, CT, on October 18, 1948. He was
educated in local schools and graduated
from Crosby High School in 1967. He was
employed at Scovill Manufacturing as an
Apprentice Toolsetter. He entered the US
Army on June 24, 1968. Upon completion of
his basic training as a Field Artilleryman,
Paul was sent to Vietnam where he was
assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 30th Field Artillery. The 30th
Field Artillery was assigned to the I Corps Tactical Zone, the most
northern area of South Vietnam, near the DMZ. In 1968 the 30th Field
Artillery engaged the enemy in the battle for Hue, the old Imperial
Capital of Vietnam and the Battle of Quang Tri. Heavy fighting
continued across the I Corps area as US Army and Marine Corps,
Korean, Australian, and ARVN Forces repelled the North Vietnamese
Army (NVA) and Viet Cong from Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, Thua Thien,
and Quang Nam. Paul was reassigned to Fort Sill, OK, the home of
Artillery. On June 23, 1970 Paul completed his military service. After his
discharge, Paul returned to Waterbury where he continued his
apprenticeship at Scovill Manufacturing. In April 1973, he was accepted
as a candidate for the Waterbury Police Department. While serving as a
member of the WPD, he was assigned to the Naugatuck Valley Crime
Squadron, the Neighborhood Police RX Unit, and the Patrol Division.
He retired in April1994 after 21 years of service. Paul later worked for
the VA in Newington, CT as the House Manager for the VA state PTSD
In-House Treatment Program, retiring in 2007.
! Paul is an active member of the Zion Baptist Church, where he
is currently Chairman of the Trustee Board, and a member of the
Willing Workers Ministry. Paul is also a member of the Corp. William O.
Wilson American Legion Post #135. He is married to the former Linda
Boone, and they have 6 children.
Awards: Sharpshooter Badge; 2 Overseas Bars; National Defense
Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Service Medal
w/2 Battle Stars; Vietnam Commendation Medal; Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal w/device; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Vietnam War Honoree
! Charles Edward Hoffler was born in
Waterbury, CT on November 21, 1943. He
was educated at local schools, and
attended Morgan State College and
received his BA degree from the
University of Connecticut. He received
his MBA degree from the University of
Bridgeport. He was commissioned as a
2nd Lt. in June of 1965, and entered the
United States Army in July 1965. He
completed the following US Army courses: Infantry Officers Basic
Course, Fort Benning, GA; Intelligence Officers Basic Course and
Intelligence Officers Research Course. In February 1966, he was
assigned as the junior member of the 5 man Officer Team that
established a Dept. of Defense Agency, the National Agency Check
Center. This facility was the focal point for the US Army
background investigations and co-ordinated its activities with the
FBI, State Department, CIA, Navy and Air Force Intelligence Units
in the Baltimore, MD and the Greater Washington, DC area.
! Subsequently, he became the Operations Officer and
supervised up to 350 military and civilian employees. He was
promoted to 1st Lt. in September 1966. Charles completed his
military obligation in 1970.
! Returning to Waterbury, he was Managing Partner of the
Waterbury Group; and served as Auditor/Consultant at Ernst &
Young where he evaluated client mortgage loan portfolios and
prepared SEC filings. He retired in 1999 from Otis Elevator, where
he held positions in financial controls and payroll systems.
Charles is a former director of Waterbury Development
Corporation, Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, and Need Action
Credit Union. He is a member of Zion Baptist Church, and served
as member of the Trustee Board (since 1982) as Chairman and Vice-
Chairman. He also chaired the Finance Committee. He is married
to Essie Marie and they have three children and five grandchildren.
Awards: National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation
Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Vietnam War Honoree
! Dominic Daniel Rinaldi was born on
August 24, 1945 in Waterbury, CT. After
graduating from Crosby High School, he
entered the US Air Force on November 9, 1965.
Assigned to Lackland AFB for his basic training,
he was sent to Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL. for 3
months of instruction in Aircrew Life Support
Career Field. In April 1966, he was sent to his
first permanent assignment at Griffiss AFB,
Rome, NY and assigned to the 416th Bomb
Wing, consisting of B-52 bombers and KC 135
refueling tankers of the Strategic Air Command
(SAC). In July 1968 he was sent overseas to the
Ubon Royal Thai AFB, to the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He served
a 1 year remote tour in support of the Vietnam War effort. His work
resulted in the rescue of many aircrew, and he volunteered for back to
back tours until July 1971. Dom re-enlisted in 1971 and served at Griffiss
AFB for the next 7 years.
! In July 1978, Dom reenlisted for another 4 years. He married his
lovely wife Annette Anchini from Waterbury, and was assigned to the
SAC team at Loring AFB, Caribou, ME. In February 1979, Dom reported
for overseas duty to Sembech AFB, Kaiserslauten, Germany. Dom left his
wife in Waterbury and she joined him in July 1979. He was assigned to
the 704th Tactical Support Sq. for the next 3 years. His next assignment
was Kirkland AFB, Albuquerque, NM in August 1983 where he was
assigned to the 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing, Military Airlift
Command (MAC). After a 3 year tour in MAC, Dom retired in January
1987 at Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA. He served for over 21 years.
! Returning to Waterbury, Dom was employed in jewelry sales and
repair and his wife Annette was employed as a teacher in Waterbury.
Married for 39 years, they have one daughter, Christina. Dom has
volunteered for many organizations in Waterbury and created the
Waterbury Tulip Festival at Fulton Park.
Awards: Basic Military Service Ribbon w/Marksman Star; Vietnam
Service Medal w/two Battle Stars; Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; Vietnam
Presidential Campaign Service Medal; Air Force Longevity Ribbon w/4
Oak Leak Clusters; Short Tour Service Ribbon w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters;
Long Tour Service Ribbon; NCO Leadership Ribbon w/Bronze Cluster;
Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/Silver Cluster; National Defense
Service Medal; Outstanding Unit Citation w/2 Bronze Cluster;
Presidential Unit Citation; and Connecticut Wartime Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Vietnam War Honoree
! Robert Pasquale Spino was
born December 1, 1949 in Waterbury,
CT He graduated from Algonquin
Grammar School. Prospect and from
Wilby High School in 1967. He
graduated from Mattatuck
Community College. He attended
Central Connecticut State University
and Sacred Heart University. He was
inducted into the US Army on June
10, 1969. He did has basic training at
Ft. Dix, NJ and his advanced infantry
training at Fort Lewis, WA. He went
to Vietnam/Cambodia from
November 1969 to June 1970. He was
assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Infantry. He served as a
tunnel rat, exploring and destroying enemy combatants and
caches. Wounded in Cambodia by small arms fire, he was
evacuated to the 71st Medical Evacuation Hospital, Pleiku, RVN.
He was then evacuated to Camp Zama Army Hospital, Japan, then
to the VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD and then to St. Albans
Naval Hospital, NY.
! He returned stateside completing his military service, he
was honorably discharged on June 9, 1971. He was employed by
the US Postal Service for 28 years, from 1976 until his retirement in
2004. He enjoyed serving as an official at basketball, baseball and
soccer games. He is a life member of the Oakville VFW Post #7330,
the DAV Chapter #11 Waterbury, and the MIlitary Order of the
Purple Heart.
! He married Elizabeth Dos Santos in 2005. They have three
children, Joy, Robert Jr., and Victor. They also have four
grandchildren.
Awards: Sharpshooter Badge w/M14 and M16 Bars; National
Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Overseas Bar;
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Vietnam
Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal; Combat
Infantry Badge; Purple Heart.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Vietnam War Honoree
! Samuel Colon Sanchez was born on
October 31, 1945 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. In
1957, his family came to the United States
where they settled in Bridgeport, CT. He was
age 11 at the time. He is the oldest of 3
siblings. His sister and brother currently live
in Orlando, FL. He attended Maplewood
Grammar School and graduated from
Central High School, Bridgeport, CT. He
enlisted in the USMC on June 27, 1968. He
did his basic training at Parris Island, SC and
Camp Lejeune, NC. He was transferred to Camp Pendelton, CA. From
there he was sent to Vietnam where he was assigned to India Co., 3rd
Bn. 3rd Marine Division as part of a M-60 machine gun team. On June
24, 1969, he was wounded twice in the back by an AK-47. Due to his
injuries, he received a medical discharge from the Marine Corps on
October 1, 1969.
! After his discharge Samuel returned to Waterbury where he
continued his education at Housatonic Community College. He became
co-ordinator of Veterans Affairs where he counseled and advised
veterans of their academic benefits and opportunities. He left
Housatonic CC and was employed as a Bail Commissioner with the
State of Connecticut, where he would go to Police Departments and
make decisions appropriate for the inmate. He was later self-employed
as an owner of a supermarket. After a successful sale of the market, he
was employed at Scap Auto Group, Fairfield, CT as a salesman for 15
years, retiring due to his disability. During this time, he continued his
education at the University of New Haven and Sacred Heart University.
Currently he is a member of the VFW Crusader Post #1946, Naugatuck,
CT, and a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
His hobbies include tennis, baseball, basketball, swimming, bicycle
riding, music and jogging. He is married to: Carmen Alicea, They have
been married for 49 years and they have three children; Maggie,
Priscilla, and Samuel, and they have four grandchildren.
Awards: Marksman Badge w/Rifle Bar; National Defense Service
Medal; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Service Medal;
Purple Heart; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Vietnam War Honoree
! Ann Marie (Phelan) Szumigala was
born in Waterbury, CT on July 12, 1944.
She was educated at Sacred Heart
Grammar School and Sacred Heart High
School. She received a BS Degree in 1966
from the Boston College School of
Nursing. She also received an MS Degree
in 1995 from Central Connecticut State
University.
She was a US Navy Nurse Corps
candidate in August 1964 and entered the US Navy on December
13, 1965 as an Ensign. She was promoted to Lt. j.g. in January 1967
and Lt. in January 1969. She was assigned to the US Naval
Hospital, Bethesda, MD in September 1966. In November 1968 she
was assigned to the US Naval Hospital, Quonset Point, RI. She
completed her active duty on May 6, 1969.
! She then worked at Union Hospital, Fall River, MA through
September 1969, returning to Waterbury. She was then employed at
St. Marys Hospital School of Nursing as an Instructor. She
continued her employment at St. Marys Hospital working in
various roles as a Staff Nurse, Clinical Educator, Clinical Specialist,
and Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life
Support (ACLS) Instructor. With Dr. Paul Kelly, she was
responsible for St. Marys attaining recognition from the American
Heart Association for excellence in treating Acute Myocardial
Infarctions (Heart Attacks) through the institution of critical
treatments while patients were hospitalized and insuring discharge
on proper medications to enhance healing and limit reoccurrence
of the event.
! She met her husband Michael, a Vietnam combat wounded
Navy corpsman and a Purple Heart recipient. They married on
February 8, 1969. They have six children, Ellen, Michelle, Michael
G., Andrew, Karen, and Ann E. Sadly Michael passed on August 2,
2016.
Awards: National Defense Service Medal.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Iraq War Honoree
! Karl Christof Steiner was born
on March 27, 1973 in Waterbury, CT. He
grew up in the East End of Waterbury on
Fairlawn Avenue. He graduated from
Chase Grammar School, Wallace Middle
School, and Crosby High School. He
completed his education at Waterbury
Adult Education in June 1991.
! Karl started working at Pressmate Manufacturing in January
1990 as an Apprentice Machinist. On January 28, 1991, Karl enlisted in the
US Army Reserves. He reported to Fort Benning, GA, on February 27,
1991 for his basic training and Advanced Infantry Training as an 11B
infantryman. He completed his training and graduated on May 31, 1991.
! From June 1991 to February 1999, Karl served with the following
units: 76th Division TNG; 1st Battalion 263rd Armor Regiment of the SC
Army NG; Charlie Co. 1 Bn. 102nd Inf. Connecticut National Guard; and
the 98th Division TNG. In June 1999, Karl re-enlisted in the Army
Reserves with the 439th Quartermaster Co. in New Haven, CT. He
completed his training at Ft. Lee, VA in June 2000 as a Petroleum Supply
Specialist. On February 10, 2003, the 439th Quartermaster Co. was
activated in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring
Freedom. In March 2003, the 439th reported to Ft. Drum, NY and in May
they deployed to Kuwait and then to Iraq. In Iraq, the 439th set up
fueling sites at Camp Cedar, Talil AFB and later at Camp Scania, about 75
miles south of Baghdad. While deployed for 15 months, the 439th
supplied over 10 million gallons of fuel to vehicles and helicopters and in
the last 3 months of their deployment, they assisted in providing security
at Camp Arifjan and Camp Wolfe in Kuwait, before returning home in
2004. Karl was discharged from the Reserves in March 2005 at the rank of
Sgt.
! In 2006 Karl was hired by the CT Dept. of Corrections where he
still works at the Cheshire Correctional Institution. Karl is a life member
of the VFW Post #201 and is a Past Commander.
Awards: Army Commendation Medal; Army Reserve Components
Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal (2); Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal;
Armed Forces Service Medal w/M Device; Army Service Ribbon.
 Waterbury Veterans
Memorial Committee
Iraq War Honoree
! Kirk Bernard Farrow was
born on September 17, 1969 in New
York City to the late Ervin Farrow
and Emma Richardson Farrow. He
lived in New York City until he
moved to Waterbury, CT in the
summer of 1977. Kirk attended Bucks
Hill Grammar School, North End
Middle School, and Wilby High
School graduating in 1987. He enlisted in the United States Army
in the Delayed Entry Program in the spring of 1987. He left for his
basic training in November 1987.
! Upon completing boot camp at Fort Sill, OK, Kirk was
assigned to the Headquarters and Service Battalion (HSB), 3rd
Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 101st Airborne Division at Fort
Campbell, KY. Kirks unit was deployed in 1989 as part of
Operation Desert Storm / Desert Shield serving in Iraq and Saudi
Arabia. The 320th Field Artillery was nicknamed the Top Guns
while they were deployed to the area of combat operations. While
in Iraq, Kirk was part of the fire direction team and served as a
driver for the Battalion S3.
! The HSB 3/320th Field Artillery, 101st Airborne Division
returned stateside in 1990. Kirk was honorably discharged in 1993
at the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He then began working at the US
Postal Service where he has been employed for the last 24 years.
He has been a member of the New Haven County Bowlers
Association for the last 30 years.

Awards: Marksmanship Badge M-16; Expert Badge Hand Grenade;

Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 Battle Stars; Saudi Arabia
Kuwait Liberation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Air Assault
Badge; Army Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and
the Army Commendation Medal.
 The Col. John G. Chiarella
Patriotic Service Award
Monsignor John Joseph Bevins

Monsignor John Joseph Bevins was born October 9, 1932 in

Waterbury, CT to George William Bevins and Teresa Agnes
Byrne. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier Grammar
School in 1946, Sacred Heart High School in 1950, St. Thomas
Seminary in 1952, Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure,
NY with a BA Degree in Philosophy in 1954, St. John
University, Jamaica, NY; with an MS Degree in Education in
June 1972; Christ the King Seminary, Masters in Divinity,
1982.
! He was ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop
Henry J. OBrien, DD, Archbishop of Hartford, on May 15,
1958 in the Church of St. Lawrence OToole, Hartford. His
assignments include June 1958 - September 1958, St. Anthony
of Padua, Litchfield, CT. From September 1958 to August
1966 he served at St. Justin Church, Hartford, CT; and from
August 1966 to August 1967 he was at St. Lewis Church, West
Haven, CT. April 1967 to August 1990 he served in the
Chaplain Corps, United States Navy. From August 1990 to
June 1991 he was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mt.
Carmel, CT. Then to North American College, Rome, Italy
and to the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford. From June 1991
to July 2015 he served at the Basilica of the Immaculate
Conception, Waterbury, CT. He was named a Monsignor in
May 2015. He has served on the Boards of St. Marys Hospital
and Sacred Heart High School.
! Monsignor Bevins was commissioned in April 1967 as
a Lt. Junior Grade. He then served at Mobile Support Unit,
Detachment Charlie, Yokosuka, Japan; Fleet Marine Force
Pacific, 1st Marine Division, Naval Station Brooklyn, NY; US
Navy Fleet Support Office, Athens, Greece; Navy Submarine
Base, Groton, CT; USS Saratoga (CV-60); US Coast Guard
Academy, New London, CT; Naval Training Center, Great
Lakes, Illinois; US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point,
NY. He decided to make his final tour of duty at the US
Naval Station, Rota, Spain as the Command Chaplain. He
completed his US Navy service with the rank of Captain in
1990 with 23 years of service.
Awards: Navy Commendation Medal w/Valor and Gold
Star; Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon;
Naval Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation;
Coast Guard Unit Commendation; National Defense Service
Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/Device; Navy Sea Service
Medal; Overseas Service Medal w/Bronze Star; Vietnam
Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; Vietnam Civil Action Medal w/
Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Fleet Marine
Force Device and 2 battle stars.
 Our 40 Waterbury Chaplains - by Bob Dorr
! During World War II, the City of Waterbury was known as
the City of Chaplains. Clergymen of all faiths who were born
here or who had minstered here served in all war theaters as Army
and Navy Chaplains. Forty Waterbury natives or residents brought
religion and comfort to thousands of servicemen in foxholes, on
battlefields, to sailors on the high seas, and to airmen in all parts of
the world. From the early days of the war right to its conclusion,
Waterbury clergymen were fortifying the spiritual needs of our
military.
! Two Waterbury Chaplains gave their lives for their country
during the war. US Army Lt. (Rev.) Neil J. Doyle, a Catholic Priest
from Blessed Sacrament parish, died on July 15, 1943, two days
after being wounded by a Japanese sniper on New Georgia Island,
in the Solomons, as he was providing the Last Rites and the final
administration of the Eucharist, known as Viaticum, to a
mortally wounded soldier. Their mission with the 24th Inf.
Division, 169th Inf. Brigade, was to secure Munda Point and
protect the US Navy base at Tulagi, then home to a PT Squadron
that included PT 109. Father Doyle was awarded the US Army
Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. US Navy Lt. (Rev.)
Thomas M. Conway was serving as Chaplain on the USS
Indianapolis (CA-35) when it was torpedoed and sank on July 30,
1945. Father Conway died August 2, 1945, after ministering to his
shipmates in the water, giving up his life so others could live.
Sixty-seven men in his group survived and only God knows how
many souls he saved while performing his duties. Father Conway
received the Purple Heart from the Navy for his sacrifice. His
service and sacrifice have been memorialized by the Waterbury
Veterans Memorial Committee at the Father Thomas Conway
Memorial, now installed in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate
Conception. Father Thomas Michael Conway was the last Chaplain
to die in combat during WW II.
! The highest ranking Waterburians in the Army Chaplains
Corps were Lt. Col. Percy Hickox, Lt. Col. Thomas F. Shea, and Lt.
Col. Thomas A. Shanahan, SJ. Col. Hickox was ordained a
Methodist in 1920. For years he was a Chaplain in the National
Guard and began his active duty when the Guard was nationalized
in 1941. He returned to Waterbury in 1946 after 21 months in the
Pacific, with his last duty station being the occupation of Tokyo.
! Lt. Col. Thomas Shanahan, SJ, was awarded the Bronze Star
in February 1945 for organizing a relief operation for 10,000 war
victims in Manila. He was teaching in Manila when the Japanese
invaded and he was evacuated at Christmas 1941 to Australia
where General MacArthur appointed him as his Assistant in
Charge of the Chaplains in the Pacific Theater. He returned with
General MacArthur in 1945 and aided the Americans interred in
the Santo Tomas POW Camp in Manila.
! Lt. Col. Thomas F. Shea entered the service in 1941, and
served as Senior Chaplain of the Fifth Air Corps in the Pacific for
34 months. He was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines.
! Three Waterbury Rabbis served our nation in WW II. US
Army Capt. Joseph H. Freeman from Congregation B'Nai Israel
was the first Waterbury Rabbi to enlist. He was assigned to Iran in
1943 and served in the Middle East until his return to Waterbury in
1945. US Army Lt. Isadore Breslau, from Temple Israel, was the
first Chaplain to enter Berlin after it fell in April 1945. Rabbi
Breslau toured many concentration camps, and authored many
reports about places such as Auschwitz. US Navy Lt. (j.g.) Jacob
Rudin, from Temple Israel, served as the Chaplain of the Merchant
Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York, during the war.
! Several Clergy were wounded during the war. US Army Lt.
John A. Kelly, from the Immaculate Conception parish, landed
with his troops on June 6, 1944, at Normandy. Wounded during the
invasion, his men saw him pull the wounded from the water and
put them in protected positions while he gave comfort and aid to
the wounded and dying. For his bravery under fire, Father John
Kelly was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
! Our Waterbury Chaplains held religious services for our
soldiers and sailors around the world. From the potato fields of
Okinawa to the POW camps of the Philippines, to the deserts of
North Africa, our Waterbury Chaplains were there. Our victory
shows that God was with us said one serviceman, after the war
ended. And it was Waterbury, Connecticut, that brought God to
our men in the battles they fought.
 To Be Dedicated May 27, 2017, 10 AM
Waterbury Veterans Park, Thomaston Avenue
 673 Wolcott Road, Wolcott, Ct 06716
203-879-2538 203-879-2359 fax 888-879-9663 toll free
email - rayslumber@aol.com

We are pleased to
Support our Veterans!

Congratulations to all of the Honorees!

 Memorial Day is a time to honor, reflect, and
remember those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice for our country.
King Industries shares the mission of the
Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee to show
our appreciation to these heroes.
! The Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee (WVMC) is a
group of representatives of local veterans organizations. In existence
since WW II, we conduct proper activities during the year to keep alive
the memory and sacrifices of veterans of all wars and conflicts. To that
end, the WVMC schedules Memorial Day activities in May, Veterans
Day activities in November, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on
December 7th.
! Our Waterbury Veterans Memorial Park on Thomaston
Avenue features a display of two 105mm howitzers dedicated to the
men from Waterbury who served in WW II and Korea. Another display
of a Cobra helicopter honors those soldiers from Waterbury who served
in Vietnam. At that park, our committee designed and built a Vietnam
Wall which honors the 30 sons of Waterbury who died in Vietnam. In
2007, we conducted a restoration of Waterbury's Civil War Soldier's
Monument.
! Your support of the Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee
allows us to pay for postage for care packages shipped to current war
zones and to make donations to veterans groups such as the CT
National Guard Foundation. In 2008, we donated over $4,800 to those
causes. In 2009, over $5,100 was donated. In 2010, thanks to your help,
the Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee donated over $7,000.
The year 2011 was a special year for our Committee. The Committee
decided to create a lasting memorial to Americas Gold Star Mothers. In
8 months, we raised over $70,000 and donated to the City of Waterbury
for the Connecticut Gold Star Mothers Memorial. One of three in the
United States, it is placed in our City Hall, where every day visitors are
reminded of the sacrifice of our Gold Star Mothers.
! In 2012 and 2013, our efforts to assist our community continued.
We donated over $15,000 to groups such the National Guard
Foundation, Homes for our Heroes, and Connecticut Stand Down. We
also repaired the lighting at the Waterburys War Memorial on the
Green at a cost of $3,000.
! In 2014, we began an effort to honor and remember our USN Lt.
(Rev.) Thomas M. Conway, who died in the sinking of the USS
Indianapolis (CA-35) in 1945. That was completed on November 11,
2015 when the Father Conway Memorial at the Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception was dedicated at a cost of $42,500.
! When they were called in time of national crisis, our veterans
left behind their home and loved ones. Now it is our duty to recognize,
maintain and remember their Call to Duty that safeguarded and
preserved our Freedoms.