Remembering Kenilworth’s fallen heroes
On Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, many will picnic, attend holiday sales, rush to the beach, or visit friends. This special day is only possible due to the supreme sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of military personnel in WWI, WWII, and in Korea. Let’s remember them, especially those 19 from Kenilworth who perished.
WORLD WAR I – (1) Sgt. Rudolph Haldin (31), an Upsala College student, athlete, and music teacher, Upsala dormitory, 125 N. 20th St.; (2) Pvt., Army A. C., Clarence Stevens (20), 220 N. 20th St., and (3) Horseshoer, Military Police, Thomas Regan (26), 200 block of N. 11th St.
WORLD WAR II – In order of passing: (1) Walter Irvine (24), 675 Fairfield Ave., Seaman 1st Cl., Navy, died Dec. 26, 1942, accident; (2) Thomas Allen (21), 47 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Lt., Army A. C., died Apr. 23, 1943, accident; (3) S/Sgt. Edw. A. Myers (21), 27 N. 21st St., KIA Germany, June 13, 1943; (4) Ens. August Ballman (26), address unknown, MIA at sea, Oct. 12, 1943; (5) Pfc. Thomas Schaible (21), 674 Richfield Ave., KIA Italy, May 19, 1944; (6) Pfc. Frederick J. Graf (21), 201 N. 15th St., KIA Normandy, France, June 16, 1944; (7) Sgt. William A. Smith (20), 239 N. 11th St., KIA France, Aug. 14. 1944; (8) Pvt. Alfred P. Loessel (19), 746 Union Ave., KIA Germany, Feb. 24, 1945; (9) Sgt. Alfred Ricken, (30), 748 Vernon Ave., KIA Italy, Feb. 25, 1945; (10) Cpl. William “Vito” Brizzi (22), 128 N. 19th St., KIA Germany, Mar. 17, 1945; (11) Pvt. Edward Rusinak (24), 10 S. 22nd St., KIA Germany, Mar. 29, 1945; (12) Sgt. George A. Cliff (21), 463 Washington Ave., KIA Philippines, April 4, 1945; (13) Pvt. David “Chickie” Coppola (18), 21 N. 20th St., KIA Germany, Apr. 21, 1945, 17 days before VE Day, the end of the war in Europe; and (14) 1st Lt. Marine A. C. Roger Allcroft (20), 572 Fairfield Ave., KIA over the Pacific, June 22, 1945, 53 days before VJ Day, the end of the war with Japan.
KOREAN WAR – (1) M/Sgt. Walter P. Kelly (22), 115 N. 19th St., KIA Korea, Jan. 29, 1951; and (2) Frederick Quinton (22), 353 Roosevelt Ln., KIA Korea, Mar. 23, 1951. Both were veterans of WWII.
Street sign markers were placed about the Borough in 2016 to commemorate where these servicemen resided. The mayor and council funded the project.
VFW Post 2230 Commander Robert Jeans, Sr., has invited the public to attend the outdoor Memorial Day service at the Kenilworth Veterans Center, 33 S. 21st St. at 11:00 a.m., Mon., May 29. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be conducted indoors. Complimentary refreshments will be provided after the conclusion of the program.
Research provided by Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., historian, and Historic Signs, Inc. Appreciation is extended to Michael Naya for his assistance. Persons with inquiries about this or other Kenilworth history topics may contact Dr. Boright at drbori@aol.com or 908-256-5200.
