WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN IN OLD KENILWORTH – Kenilworth’s Greatest Generation
Part I of a tribute saluting ten living Kenilworth veterans who fought in World War II appeared in the May edition of this newspaper. Since that publication one has passed away.
(above) Alex “Kelsy” Kuriawa
Technical Sergeant Alex “Kelsy” Kuriawa, of the US Army, 99, passed away suddenly on May 5, 2019. TSgt. Kuriawa served from 1943-1945. He was part of the Normandy Invasion (D-Day 6) and fought in the Battle of the Bulge under immense enemy shelling and gun fire. Born in Elizabeth, he and his late wife of 66 years, Helen, moved to Kenilworth in 1953. Their four sons are: Kevin, Christopher, John, and Michael. Known by his nickname, Kelsy, he served in the Kenilworth public works department for 34 years, most of the time as superintendent.
(above) James F. Lucadema
Motor Machinists Mate 2nd Class James F. Lucadema, 93, served in the US Navy, 1944-1946. Headquartered at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he was on anti-submarine patrols off the South American coast. Among the ships he sailed was the USS Marlboro (APB 38). His future wife, Lucille Sodano, enlisted in the WAVES in 1945. She passed away this April at age 95. Married in 1949, they moved to Kenilworth in 1956. Their children are Kenneth and Donna (Masucci).
(above) Robert Moldenhauer
Seaman First Class Robert Moldenhauer, 92, served in the US Navy, 1944-1946. Stationed aboard the destroyer, USS Hyman, his ship was hit by a kamikaze plane at the Battle of Okinawa, causing fire and death. At the Battle of Iwo Jima, he witnessed the flag raised on Mt. Suribachi. Married in 1949 to Marie DeStefano, they moved that year to Kenilworth. They are the parents of three: Robert, Lynn, and Brian. VFW Post 2230 honored him, and fellow navy veteran John Beninati, in 2015. Moldenhauer served 23 years as a special police officer.
(above) John A. Rembish
Private 1st Class John A. Rembish, 95, served in the US Army, 1943-1946. In the artillery battery, he saw action in southern France during the invasion of Anzio and later in Germany. At war’s end he was in Austria. He and his late wife, Ann Sickle, both born in Pennsylvania, married in 1955 and moved to Kenilworth in1963. They have four sons: John, Jr., Michael, Peter, and James.
(above) Robert D. Sammons
Private 1st Class Robert D. Sammons, 97, served in the Army Air Corps, 1943-1946. Pfc Sammons was primarily stationed at Guam while serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. His duties included special vehicle operator, and training with the Thompson submarine gun. He was a second-class gunner. Born in Bayonne and married in 1949, he and his late wife of 63 years, Dorine Faircloth, moved to Kenilworth in 1955. They have a son, Richard.
Another surviving veteran, a corporal, age 95, served in the US Army, 1943-1946. He wishes to remain anonymous at this time. Mainly stationed in India he also was stationed in Africa. When on board ship in the Mediterranean, it and another ship sailing behind his, were attacked for two days by German aircraft. The second ship was sunk with great loss of life. Married in 1949, he and his late wife moved to Kenilworth in 1951. They have three sons.
Research provided by Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., historian, and Historic Signs, Inc. assisted by Brearley HS student, Michael Naya, Jr. Persons with living veteran names or inquiries about this or other aspects of Kenilworth history may contact Dr. Boright at drbori@aol.com or 908-256-5200.
(above) The navy man and the wave. US Navy veteran James Lucadema with his wife, US Wave enlistee, Lucille, on the occasion of their 69th wedding anniversary, July, 2018.
