On Sunday August 13th, Nunzio (Nunzy) John Martino, age 101-½, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, passed from this life into everlasting life with God, surrounded by his loving family at his bedside. Nunzy lost his soulmate Regina (Calitri) almost 30 years ago. They were happily married for 48 years. Four years after losing Regina, Nunzy met Rita, and they were companions for the last 26 years.

Nunzy leaves behind his daughter Marsha Gleason and her husband Robert, his son Dr. Richard Martino and his wife Pearl, his grandchildren Tracy Martino and her husband Stephen Murray, Carla McAuliffe and her husband John, Peter Gleason and his wife Kirsten, Mara Power and her husband Keith. He also leaves 5 great-grandchildren, Mia McAuliffe, Keegan and Ryan Gleason, and Ellie and Anna Power. Nunzy was predeceased by his wife, Regina, his Dad Carlo (Pa), his brother Angelo, his sister Mary and many sister and brothers-in law.

Nunzy was a World War II Naval Veteran who served with the hand-picked elite crew aboard the USS Benjamin Franklin (CV-13) affectionately referred to as “Big Ben”. She was the newest and most advanced Aircraft Carrier that the United States Navy had in its fleet at that time and she was the “PRIZE” that the Japanese chose to destroy, in a last ditch effort, to display their withering Naval Power. Japanese planes hunted Big Ben down and tried unsuccessfully to sink her. Franklin suffered many casualties, but she remained afloat after sustaining one of the most horrific attacks ever on a United States Naval Warship. Nunzy was one of the 704 crewmembers to survive the attacks out of a compliment of 3000 men. He remembered with detail that terrible day at sea on 19 March 1945. At 0707 hours, a Japanese bomber slipped under the radar to attack Franklin in what is termed one of America’s most fierce battles at sea. She was the most heavily damaged ship in US Naval History to sail home to port and her crew remains, to this very day, the most decorated crew in the history of the United States Navy. Nunzy is was a Life Member of the Italian American War Veterans Post #45 in Marlborough, and a life Member of the Sons of Italy Bandiera e Concordia Lodge #240.

After returning home from the Navy, Nunzy worked at the old Curtis Shoe Co. in Marlborough while attending Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA attaining a License of Stationary Engineer which enabled him to change careers. He then was offered a position at General Motors in Framingham, MA as a Stationary Engineer in the Powerhouse of the Plant, remaining there for the next 32 years until his retirement. In retirement, he and Regina planned and guided many Senior trips with their friends, and they travelled extensively.

Nunzy was an avid golfer and played until he was 98 years old, still hitting straight…but not as far. He prided himself in routinely playing a round of golf with only 1 or 2 balls. He enjoyed playing pool with his good friend Les at the Marlborough Senior Center, in fact, they were the very first men to play pool on the new table there. He remained an automobile enthusiast even after he stopped driving at age 93. In 2019, Nunzy was given the honor of being chosen to be Grand Marshal of the Labor Day Parade for the City of Marlborough.

Through the years, Nunzy and Regina were actively involved in not only in their children’s education, but also in their extracurricular activities, the Marlborough High School Band Parents and the Immaculate Conception Ecumenical Drum and Bugle Corps along with being members of the committees for annual Christmas Bazaars, Italian Festivals and Penny Sales at St. Ann’s Parish in Marlborough.

His funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 18, at St. Mary of the Hills Parish, 630 Cross St. Boylston, MA. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Marlborough, MA. A calling hour will precede the Mass from 10 to 11 AM in the church.

The family would like to thank his neighbors Les and Donna, Judy and Bob, the VA Home Based Primary Care Team, St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, Notre Dame Hospice Care and the Lutheran Home Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion. They also request that, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Notre Dame Hospice Care (Veterans Services), 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 would be greatly appreciated.

The Short & Rowe Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Martino family with arrangements.

Melvin Kohlreiter died peacefully in Warminster, PA on February 21st after a brief battle with cancer. The beloved husband, father, and World War II veteran was 100 years old.
Born January 20, 1924 in New Jersey, Mel spent his formative years in Teaneck. He was enrolled in a high school aviation program when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. One month later, on his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy, intending to become a pilot. Instead, lacking the requisite two years of college, he was trained to service and repair warplanes. Subsequent instruction in aerial gunnery, dive-bombing, and specialized maintenance took him to various locations up and down the East Coast throughout 1942.
In 1943 he was assigned to the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier USS Franklin, which was headed for the Pacific. Before the Franklin reached the Panama Canal, however, Mel was transferred to an airbase on the Island of Trinidad, where his expertise in servicing variable pitch propellors was sorely needed. Additional duties included hunting German U-boats as a gunner and observer in a dive bomber.
When the Navy ran short of officer pilots, Mel joined an elite group of enlisted men trained to fly, finally donning the aviator’s wings he coveted. He served in that capacity for the remainder of the War.
Soon after his honorable discharge, he met 16-year-old Lorraine Dern at a 1947 YMCA dance in Jersey City. It was love at first sight. On their first date, Mel took her flying around the Statue of Liberty in a rented plane, only to have engine failure force him to ditch in Bayonne Bay. The plane subsequently sank, and their rescue made headlines in every area newspaper and TV news report.
Despite this misadventure, the two were soon engaged. They married on June 5, 1949. Together they raised a family, traveled the world, befriended celebrities such as Perry Como, competed in equestrian events, and figure skated together for many years. Mel excelled at many jobs, including car salesman (alongside a young Jack Lord), small business owner, and, into his eighties, he was the go-to real estate agent in Palm Beach, Florida.
Over his one hundred years Mel survived attacks on U-boats, emergency plane landings, a near fatal automobile accident, triple bypass surgery, and a tricky negotiation with a Maasai warrior in Kenya who offered to buy Lorraine in exchange for a cow. He was a pilot, scuba diver, figure skater, golfer, tennis player, and equestrian. His strength, mental sharpness, and impish sense of humor amazed everyone who met him, right up to the end.
Mel was preceded in death by his son Steven and his sister Audrey Weinberg. He is survived by Lorraine, his wife of 74 years, his daughter Vicki Hughes, granddaughters Lisa Rossmann, Lindsey Leonard, and Diane Steiner, his great grandchildren Dylan Rossmann, Duke Leonard, Sophia Steiner, and Justin Steiner, as well as the many extended family members and friends who found his charm irresistible.
Services will be held 9:00 AM March 1, 2024, at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Marcus Stelios Peris NORFOLK – Marcus Stelios Peris, 88, of the 200 block of Thole St., passed away Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, in a local hospital. He was born on March 28, 1921 in Kardamyla, Chios, Greece and was a resident of Norfolk for the past 63 years. He was the son of the late Stelios and Paraskevi Perivolaris and was preceded in death by his sister, Maria P. Andriotis. He was a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He served his country in the United States Navy aboard the carrier USS Franklin (CV13) and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of VFW Post 3160 and the American Legion Post No. 60. He was the owner of Peris Painting Company until his retirement in 1985. Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Bessie Jordan Peris; a daughter, Patricia P. Longworth of Norfolk; two sons, Tony M. Peris and his wife Mary of Norfolk, Steven M. Peris and his wife Julie of Morton, Ill.; two grandsons, Marcus S. Longworth and his wife Heather of Norfolk and Ernest E. Longworth and his wife Tracy of Chesterfield, Va.; five great-grandchildren, Toby, Tanner, Ethan, Abigail and Aiden Longworth; sister- in-law, Barbara Jordan of Norfolk; many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Trisagion service will be held Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel. A funeral will be conducted at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Friday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. by the Rev. Father Ambrose Bitziadis- Bowers and the Rev. Father Constantine P. Rogakos. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Bon Secours Depaul Medical Center for their excellent care. Memorial donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby St., Norfolk, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.
Published in: The Virginian-Pilot from December 16, 2009 to December 18, 2009

Harry, Samuel James, age 81, of Fullerton, CA., lost his battle to Melanoma on Feb. 17, 2008. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy Harry, and his four children, Christine Krog of Geneva, IL., Samuel Jr. (Diana) Harry of Lakewood, CO., Maureen Harry of Fullerton, CA., Kathleen (Phil) Ely of Anaheim Hills, CA., and eight grandchildren. Sam was the son of Edward and Bernadette Harry and born in Connellsville, PA. His survivng siblings are Eileen Peifer, Bernadette Keslar, William Harry, Philip Harry, and Kathleen Moulton. Sam was a proud veteran of the US Navy in WWII and a survivor of the USS Franklin. He was a former president of the First Friday Friars, a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, active in the Probus Organization, and devoted to his Prison Ministry of over 16 years. His passion for golf kept him busy outside of his volunteer work. A Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m., on Feb. 25, 2008 at St. Juliana Church, 1316 N. Acacia, Fullerton, CA. The Funeral Mass will be Feb. 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Juliana Church with an Honorary Military Ceremony to follow at Loma Vista Cemetery, 701 E. Bastanchury, Fullerton, CA. After the ceremony there will be a reception at the parish hall for family and friends. Donations in his name can be sent to the American Cancer Society. McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, Fullerton. McAulay & Wallace
Published in: Orange County Register from February 21, 2008 to February 23, 2008

Joseph A. Unterreiner, age 88, WWII Navy Veteran, served on the USS Franklin, awarded the Purple Heart; devoted husband of the late Evelyn, nee Lock; beloved father of Margaret (Donald) Davis, and Mary Beth Peron; cherished grandfather of Mark (Janet) Davis, Melissa (Christopher) Brown, Elizabeth Peron and Robin Peron; beloved great-grandpa of Meagan, Paige, Jason, Joshua and Joseph; dear nephew of Mary Lutz; loving brother of Dorothy (the late John) Giuffre, Joan (Tim) Stiles, Paul (Joan) Weilberg, Julie Nadler and Louise (Robert) Sitman; cherished uncle and friend of many. Funeral 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from Matz Funeral Home, 3440 N. Central Ave., to St. Ladislaus Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The American Heart Association appreciated. Info: 773-545-5420

Donald Conard, 97 years old, was born on August 6, 1926, in Tunnel Hill (Coshocton Co.) Ohio. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Beth (Chet) Rowland, son Kyle Conard, step daughters Tamara (Tim) Moyer and Dawn DeLozier, daughter-in-law Susan Lewin; Grand and step grandchildren Angela (Toby) Briley, Andrew Conard, Katie Devine, Lauren (Kevin) Beutler, Tyler, Ryan and Keane Moyer, Carly (Dakota) Berridge and Brandi DeLozier; great grandchildren Jenna and Griffin Briley, Emerson and Teddy Berridge and Maris Beutler; many nieces and nephews; cousin Bob (Mabel) Melick.

Preceded in death by his parents John Milton Conard and Inez Norris; brothers Kenneth, sister Florence, wife Edna, sons Keith, Scott, Kevin; granddaughter Danielle.

Donald graduated from Union High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After training at Great Lakes Naval Station, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Franklin CV-13. As WWII was winding down, the Franklin was headed to Japan when two armor-piercing bombs were dropped by Japanese planes on the morning of March 19, 1945. Over 900 men were killed that day. Miraculousy, the ship did not sink. It was towed to Ulithi for some repairs and then made its way to the Brooklyn Navy Yard by way of Pearl Harbor and the Panama Canal. Don always liked to tell that the ship was so wide that it knocked down light poles going through the canal. It was the most heavily damaged ship to make it back to port on its own power. While at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Don met Edna Campbell and they married in New York City in 1946. When the war ended, they moved to Columbus, OH, and Don attended The Ohio State University on the GI bill. For four years they lived on the Ohio State Fairgrounds in a trailer while he pursued his degree in agriculture. He graduated in 1950 and worked for the Ohio Farm Bureau. Later he and his brother, Kenneth, co-founded Scioto Farm Chemicals Fertilizer Plant and Purina Feed Mill in Chillicothe, OH. Even later he worked at Alcoa/Wearever (Chillicothe) and Western Electric (Columbus). Edna passed away after 45 happy years. He built homes in Dayton and Chillicothe. The last home he built had been a dream since college days when a professor talked about geothermal heat. With his second wife he built a house near Utica, OH, with geothermal heating and enjoyed living there for several years. He and Linda returned to Westerville in 2013. He had the opportunity to go on an Honor Flight in April of 2009. He would become a world traveler after retirement and visited countries such as Solomon Islands, Figi, Myanmar, Iceland, Germany, England, France and many more. He took cruises and met many wonderful people who became lifetime friends. He had a wonderful life for 97 years and will be missed by anyone who knew him. Calling hours are 4-7pm on Friday February 23, and funeral on February 24, at 10:30am at Hill Funeral Home, 220 S. State St, Westerville, OH 43081. Interment will follow immediately after at Blendon Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Honor Flight Columbus, PO Box 20133, Columbus, OH 43220. WARM at 150 Heatherdown Dr, Westerville, OH 43081 or any charity of your choice. To honor a true WWII American hero, feel free to wear red, white, and blue.

Posted online on February 22, 2024

Published in Columbus Dispatch

Charles “Chuck” Botts, 98, of Earlville, IL passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the LaSalle Veterans Home. He was born on September 24, 1926 in Hammond, IN the son of Charles and Anna (Clover) Botts. He married Marilyn Gast on January 10, 1948 in Earlville, IL at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Chuck was involved in many different things. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He very proudly served in the US Navy during W.W. II, serving on the USS Franklin. He was involved in the Mendota VFW #4079, Earlville American Legion, the Mendota Moose Lodge and Mendota Elks Club. After being involved in so many organizations he still found time to farm all his land in Earlville for decades. In his free time, he was an avid beer can collector, hat collector and shot glass collector.

He is survived by his two daughters, Wanda Planthaber and Diane (Gary) Lampe; grandchildren, Christine (Lloyd) McKenna and their four sons, Craig Planthaber and his two sons, Cherie Planthaber and her two daughters, Cinda (Tim) Bly, Stacy (Joseph) Datti and their two daughters and Garrett Lampe; three great great-grandchildren, sisters, Lola Burkhart and Lorretta Hoffman; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, son, Steven Botts; five siblings, John (Ruth) Botts, Louie (Dee) Botts, Elberta (Harold) Olsen, Lois Botts and Everrett Botts; son-in-law, Carl Planthaber; along with his beloved dog, Dora.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Earlville, IL from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Denise Rode officiating. After a luncheon and time of fellowship at the church a graveside service with Military honors will follow at Wisner Cemetery in Mendota, IL. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the VFW

From the Hinckley News, Hinckley MN

Richard C. Plaggerman was born in Maple Lake, Minn., on October 3, 1923 and grew to young manhood in the Hinckley community. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy on May 4, 1943 and on May 15, 1943 he was sent to Farragut, Idaho, for his boot training. In August of 1943 he was sent to San Diego, California, where he completed his course as a radarman. From there he was sent to Port Hueneme, California, and left for overseas service on October 15, 1943. When first sent overseas he was stationed in the Gilbert Islands doing radar work until April, of 1944, when he received his rating as second class petty officer and put aboard the U.S.S.Franklin. He served in five different invasions in the South Pacific before coming home November 30, 1944, while the ship was in for repairs.

While home on this leave, he was united in marriage to Miss Viola McDermeit, childhood sweetheart.

He left the states again on February 1, 1945, aboard the same ship, stopping in Hawaii for a few days further schooling in radar. From the Hawaiian Islands the ship left for the Pacific again and Richard was killed March 19, 1945, just off the coast of Japan, when the Franklin was hit by a bomb from a Jap plane while planes were taking off.

To Viola, and to the other surviving relatives, the community extends the deepest sympathy, , in the sad loss of this fine boy, who gave his life for his country.

Robert “Bob” Kremmel, age 96, of Hampton Township, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

Survived by longtime partner, Phyllis Howard; son, James Kremmel (Nancy); grandchildren, Stephen Kremmel and Ashley Kremmel; nephews and nieces, David Dunton, Diane Knochel, Judy Takacs, Beverly Nodine, Kristin Susser and Harry Susser.

Husband of late Edith B. (Susser) Kremmel, Bob was a WWII US Marine Corps veteran, and worked for Henry Miller Spring & Mfg until retirement. Bob loved going to yard sales, hunting, vegetable gardening, and his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 10-12 PM on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 2841 Woodland Circle in Allison Park, PA 15101.

A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12 Noon at the King Funeral Home with burial at United Cemetery in Pittsburgh afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Bob’s life with a contribution to a charity of your choice.

Please visit us at http://www.kingfuneralhome.com.