Robert Persichitti, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, died last week en route to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Robert Persichitti, a 102-year-old World War II veteran from the US Navy, died last week on his way to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Richard Stewart, president and CEO of Honor Flight Rochester, told CNN that his friend died on the way to Normandy. Persichitti served in the Pacific region and worked as a radio operator on ships such as the USS Eldorado. His missions took him to Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guam, among other places.
After the war, Persichitti lived in Rochester, New York, where he taught carpentry. He graduated from SUNY Buffalo in 1972. His passion was traveling and sharing his war experiences with younger generations. Pastor William Leone, a friend, told WHAM, “It was a privilege to know him and I will miss him.” Persichitti took every opportunity to visit schools and talk to students about World War II.
Persichitti was one of the few Americans still alive who served in World War II. According to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, less than one percent of the original 16.4 million who served are still alive today. US President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of these veterans during this year’s D-Day commemoration in Normandy. CNN quoted him as saying: “We must not allow what happened here to be lost in the silence of the years to come.” This underscores the urgent obligation to keep the memory of the fight against tyranny alive.
Persichitti fell ill during a stopover in Germany and was rushed to the hospital, where he died shortly thereafter. Al DeCarlo, a traveling companion, told CNN that the doctor was present during Persichitti’s final moments. “He was not alone, he was at peace and doing well,” DeCarlo said. In his final moments, Frank Sinatra’s music played – Persichitti’s favorite singer.