Robert ‘Al’ Persichitti: A Humble World War II Veteran’s Dream to Honor D-Day Ended Tragically

Robert “Al” Persichitti, a 102-year-old World War II Navy veteran, passed away while traveling to France to honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Despite his age and health issues, he was determined to attend the ceremony and share his wartime experiences with others.

Persichitti had spoken eagerly about attending the D-Day remembrance ceremony but unfortunately fell ill in Germany and died in a hospital before reaching his final destination. Nevertheless, he was surrounded by loved ones during his final moments, listening to his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra, before peacefully passing away.

The National WWII Museum recognized Persichitti as a beloved friend and honored his service in the Navy. Enlisting in 1942, he served as a radioman on the USS Eldorado and participated in significant battles in the Pacific, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He witnessed the iconic raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima and returned there in 2019 to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Before his trip to Europe, Persichitti shared his excitement about the journey, recounting how his cardiologist encouraged him to go despite his health issues. He was passionate about sharing his wartime experiences with others, regularly speaking at schools and community events and authoring an autobiography for his family in 2015. Even in his final days, he led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Memorial Day remembrance in East Rochester, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by veterans like himself.

Persichitti’s friend and priest Rev William Leone shared that Persichiti had attended numerous World War II remembrance events in the past but never reached France for this event due to illness.

Persichiti’s legacy will live on through those who knew him best – friends, family members and community leaders who remember him as a humble man who never forgot what he went through during World War II.

Rest In Peace Robert “Al” Persichitti