Jack E. Kriesick Sr. (78):
31 Oct 1931-24 Feb 2018
Jack was born on October 31, 1939 in Watertown, son of Jack R. and Rhoda E. (Hooker) Kriesick, he graduated from Watertown High School in 1957. He served as an Airborne Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division from November 3, 1959 until July 31, 1963 as a paratrooper. He served in hostile areas of Southeast Asia as a medic, was proficient in small arms, was pathfinder schooled, and volunteered service with the 77th Special Forces and Operation Chopper on January 12, 1962 in South Vietnam. He received two Purple Hearts and numerous other medals and decorations before being honorably discharged. Jack was a Life Member of Barben Jones VFW Post 1400 and former Chaplain, Life Member of the American Legion Post 61 and former member of the Executive Board, Life Member and former Commander and Chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18, and former Chairman and Chaplain of the Central NY All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association.
Ronald J. Smith (69):
23 Jun 1948-28 Nov 2017
Ronald was born in Watertown June 23, 1948 he was the son of Arthur and Doris (Kiblin) Smith. He was educated locally, and enlisted with the United States Army from 1966-1969. Ronald was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1400 where he and his father, Arthur Smith Sr. were the only father & son combination to both be past commanders. He was also a member of the Sackets Harbor American Legion.
Arthur P. Smith Sr. (92):
27 Dec 1924-29 Jul 2017
Arthur was born on December 27th, 1924 in Watertown, son to Robert and Minnie Carson Smith. He was a WWII veteran serving with the Headquarters Squadron 313th Bomb Wing in the Philippine Islands where he was awarded the Philippine Independence Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He then attended Bombardier School in Texas. Arthur was Post Commander at VFW Post 1400 in Watertown from 1982-83. Arthur and his son, Ronald, were the only father-son pair to be commanders at the Watertown VFW Post 1400.
Frederick F. Adderley (93):
9 Apr 1923-18 Mar 2017
Fred was born in Antwerp, NY on April 9, 1923, son of William F. Adderley and Bertha Mae Lawton Adderley. Fred enlisted in the U. S. Army in December of 1944 and served as a Staff Sergeant during WWII and was stationed in Japan and the Philippines and honorably discharged in the Fall of 1946. Prior to going overseas Fred joined the American Legion Post 61 - Watertown and has been a member for 72 years and a past member of the VFW Post 1400 - Watertown.
Joseph A. Hale (85):
10 Apr 1931-8 Feb 2017
Joseph was born on April 10, 1931 to the late Joseph and Essie Hale of Westifield, NJ. Joseph was educated in the New Jersey School System. He served in the Army in the 50’s during the Korean War, and was honorable discharged as a sergeant. Joe was a member of the Brownville American Legion and a lifetime member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1400, Watertown, NY. Joe was also a Department of New York 4th District Commander.
Arthur R. Pacific (84):
26 Dec 1931-13 Aug 2016
Arthur was born Dec. 26, 1931, in Watertown, the son of Allesandro D. and Evelina P. Martini Pacifici. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean War from July 9, 1952 until being honorably discharged on March 23, 1954, receiving the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.He was an Life Member of the V.F.W. Post -1400, and member of the American Legion Post-61.
Albert M. Oddi (91):
26 Dec 1924-5 Jul 2016
Albert was born in Philadelphia, NY, a son of Joseph and Maria Misercola Oddi. From 1943 until 1945 he served in the United States Army with the 2nd Armored Division –RCN Co., 67th Armed Regiment. He was a member of the 2nd Armored Division Association, the American Legion Post #61 and the VFW Post #1400.
Michael G. Barrows (60):
22 May 1955-1Feb 2016
Michael was born in LaRochelle, France, the son of Phillip and Velma Barrows and resided in Sackets Harbor. He enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Viet Nam, serving honorably from April 1, 1974 to March 31,1978. Mike drove and recruited for the Disabled American Veteran services. He was also Life Member of the Watertown VFW Post 1400.
James E. Brett (87):
4 Jun 1928-27 Jan 2016
James was born in Watertown, the son of James J. and Gladys Cole Brett, he graduated from Watertown High School. He served with the US Air Force from 1952 to 1957 with an honorable discharge. He was a member of the VFW Post 1400, the Disabled American Veterans, and life member and past vice commander of American Legion Post 61, Watertown. He had served as chairman of both the Armed Forces Day and the Watertown Christmas parades.
Robert J. Vine (83):
3 Aug 1932-8 Nov 2015
Mr. Vine was born in Watertown, the son of John and Leta Vine. He graduated from Watertown High School and entered the U.S. Navy in June of 1952, serving as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War, with the Navy and Marines. He was honorably discharged in June of 1956. He was a Life Member of the Watertown VFW Post 1400 and American Legion. Bob loved spending time at his cottage on the St. Lawrence River for over 50 years, driving the D.A.V. van taking Veterans to appointments, and going to the VFW with his friends.
Carl A. Rima (89):
10 Dec 1925-27 Apr 2015
Mr. Rima was born in Watertown, December 10, 1925, a son to Ernest and Helen Barker Rima. He attended Watertown High School where he was an outstanding athlete. Carl left school and joined the US Navy on March 2, 1943, serving aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Wasp, which took a direct hit from Japanese bombers in March of 1945. The carrier was repaired and continued service throughout the remainder of the war. Carl was honorably discharged on March 8th, 1946, receiving the American Theatre Medal, The European Theatre Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal w/ 8 stars and the Philippine Liberation Medal w/ 2 stars. He was one of the first four to receive his GED diploma from Watertown High School in a program that rewarded soldiers and sailors who left school prior to graduation to serve during times of war. He was a member of the VFW Post 1400 and the Brownville American Legion.
Richard L. Parish (87):
10 Oct 1927-21 Apr 2015
Mr. Parish was born October 10, 1927, in Fulton, NY a son of Louis W. and Gladys M. Richards Parish. In 1945 he graduated from GW Bodley High School in Fulton. Mr. Parish served in Korea in the United States Army from 1946 until 1948 and from 1950 until 1953 in the United States Marines. During the Korean Conflict in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, he participated in the “Retreat Hell Walk”. Where US soldiers retreated by foot through the mountains for twenty miles carrying their dead and leaving no soldier behind. He was a long time member of the VFW Post 1400.
Mary M. Parry (91):
22 Jul 1923-11 Apr 2015
Mary was born July 22, 1923, a daughter of the late William and Anna B. Gallagher Madden, she attended DeSales High School in Geneva, NY, and graduated from Freeman Business School and Jefferson Community College. Volunteerism was part of Mary’s lifelong pursuits; she was active with the Salvation Army, Association of the United States Army, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion auxiliaries. She became the first woman admitted to the Watertown Noon Rotary. Of all Mary’s volunteer positions none was more involving then her tenure with United Service Organization (USO). She began volunteer work in 1941 at the Sampson Naval Base’s USO at Seneca Lake, near her home town of Geneva. As she moved she continued her service at various locations and after she arrived in Watertown, she continued her service. Ultimately she operating the local Fort Drum chapter out of her home until found a permanent home on post. Mrs. Parry service to the community was recognized in 1998 with the awarding of the 46th annual Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award. She has received many other awards as well, most notably the Secretary of the Army Public Service Medal and the Italian-American Civic Association’s Make-a-Difference Award.
Inez M. Decker (66):
12 Jul 1948-8 Apr 2015
Inez was born July 12, 1948, in Alexandria Bay, the daughter of Francis and Helen LaBrake Panunzio, she graduated from Redwood High School. She was a member of the Philadelphia American Legion Post 798 Auxiliary and the Watertown VFW Post 1400 Auxiliary.
Dawn "Pixie" Powell (64):
28 Jul 1950-4 Apr 2015
Dawn was born on July 28, 1950, in Watertown, she was the youngest daughter of Louis and Marion Powell. She was a long member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 1400. A gathering for family and friends will take place at the VFW on Bellew Ave following the funeral service.
Marie M. Kelley (85):
30 Jul 1929-2 Apr 2015
Marie was born July 30, 1929 in Watertown, the daughter of Lawrence and Oleida Hennerty Coburn.
She graduated from Watertown High School.She married Joseph Kelly who died in July 1970 while serving in the military.Marie was a homemaker living in Sackets Harbor for over 45 years. She was a member of Harold Townsend Post American Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary of Watertown.
Rocco C. Alteri (92):
23 Nov 1922-2 Apr 2015
Mr. Alteri was born November 23, 1922 in Watertown a son of Joseph and Mary Sylvester Alteri. He graduated from Watertown High School. From 1943 until 1945 he served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Italian American Civic Association, Elks Lodge #496, VFW Post #1400 and the American Legion Post #588, where he was honored in 2014 for seventy years of membership. Burial with military honors will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.
Nelson Navarra (91):
12 Nov 1923-16 Mar 2015
Nelson was a long time employee of the U.S.Postal Service, Watertown, NY and Postmaster of the Brownville, NY Post Office. He served as Treasurer of the Watertown Postal Credit Union for many years. He was a Member of the Watertown Elks Lodge 496, B.P.O.E. for 71 years. He was a Past New York State President and District Deputy of the B.P.O.E. A member of the Italian American Civil Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1400, and the American Legion Post 61. Mr. Navarra was a communicant at the Holy Family Church. Nelson was an Army Veteran of World War II, having served from Feb. 11, 1943 to May 25, 1945 in the African and Italian campaigns. He and his twin brother, John, participated in the battles of Salerno and Anzio invasions. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Teasa V. Garnsey (51):
16 Mar 1963-11 Feb 2015
Born March 16, 1963, in Ft. Rucker, Ala., a daughter to James R. and Katherine A. Dickson Gentile, she graduated in 1981 from Watertown High School. Following graduation she briefly attended Jefferson Community College. She married Timothy L. Garnsey on Nov. 22, 1990, at their Watertown residence.
Teasa was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1400, the Black River American Legions Ladies Auxiliary Post 673, and the Northern New York Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.).
Gerald F. Tighe (70):
29 Oct 1944-7 Feb 2015
Gerald was born on October 29, 1944 in Syracuse, NY, son of the late Anthony A. and Catherine E. Condon Tighe, he graduated from N. Syracuse High School in 1962. He then attended Onondaga Community College and Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. He entered the US Navy and served 24 years and was honorably discharged January 31, 1996 receiving numerous awards.
Frank J. Pepe (90):
12 Oct 1924-26 Jan 2015
Frank was born in Watertown on October 12, 1924, son of Joseph P. and Tessie Greco Pepe and he graduated from Watertown High School. On April 5, 1943 he entered the US Marine Corp. He served with the 4th Marine Division and was injured at Iwo Jima, receiving the Purple Heart. He also received the WWII Victory Medal and was honorably discharged on November 26, 1945.
Bogdan Kociuba (87):
30 Jun 1927-15 Dec 2014
Retired Master Sgt. Bogdan (Bob) Kociuba was born June 30, 1927 in Drobobycz Galicia, Poland to Mikolaj and Katarina Kocko Kociuba. In March, 1944, he left home with his brother, Zenko, who was 2 years younger, as the Russian Army advanced toward the city of Drobobycz. They ended up in German Camps after the war. Bogdan served in the British Army from 1946 to 1948. He then traveled to France and worked in a steel mill prior to serving with the Polish Labor Force, in France and Germany, until he enlisted in the United States Army in Frankfurt, Germany, in Feb., 1952. Bogdan was a Linguist, he spoke five languages fluently and could converse in several others. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and the Airborne Course at Ft. Benning, GA. He was one of the first soldiers to join the Special Forces, and after training was assigned to the 10th Special Forces in Bad Toelz, Germany. He was very proud to become a United States Citizen in 1958. Bogdan served two combat tours in Vietnam for a total of 5 & 1/2 years. He was highly decorated and received many awards and medals including, The Bronze Star with 2 OLC; the Air Medal; Master Parachutist Badge; RVN Honor Medal; and the RVN Cal Cross w/ Palm. He ended his military career by serving the last three years in Germany until he retired in August, 1975 after more than 23 years of service. Master Sgt. Kociuba was a member of the Special Forces Association and the Retired Military Association and Life Time Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.