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A poignant loss as a World War II hero, Robert ‘Al’ Persichitti, aged 102, passed away en route to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations this week. Serving in the Pacific theater, Persichitti witnessed the historic raising of the flag at Iwo Jima by US Marines, an iconic moment of the war. He was journeying to Europe with a cohort of fellow veterans from the National World War II Museum Group. In a heartfelt interview with WROC in his hometown of Rochester, he expressed his eager anticipation for the trip just the day before departing.

In 2019, Persichitti embarked on a similar journey to Iwo Jima with his companion Al De Carlo. When the opportunity arose to visit Normandy, the duo didn’t hesitate.

“I contacted my friend Al Di Carlo, who was with me at Iwo Jima, and he said, ‘Absolutely, we’re going,'” Persichitti recounted.

Despite his cardiac issues, Persichitti’s cardiologist encouraged him to make the trip. However, on Friday, he fell ill while aboard a boat in the North Sea. He was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Germany, where he tragically passed away.

Robert 'Al' Persichitti, 102, served in the Pacific theater during the war and was an eyewitness to the raising of the flag at Iwo Jim by US Marines

Robert ‘Al’ Persichitti, aged 102, served in the Pacific theater during the war and bore witness to the iconic moment of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima by US Marines.

Persichitti worked on communications aiding the operation in Iwo Jima

Persichitti contributed to communications support for the operation in Iwo Jima.

Richard Stewart, president of Honor Flight Rochester, a veterans’ organization to which Persichitti belonged, informed The New York Times that the veteran was accompanied by a doctor at the time of his passing, ensuring he wasn’t alone. The physician played Persichitti’s favorite Frank Sinatra song as he peacefully departed.

During the flag-raising at Iwo Jima, Persichitti served as a radioman second class on the USS Eldorado, as per an online profile. In an interview with WDSU, Persichitti recounted his role in facilitating communications for operations in Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

In recognition of his service, Persichitti was honored in 2020 with induction into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. His emotional return to Iwo Jima in 2019, as described to Stars & Stripes, stirred profound emotions within him.

Describing Persichitti to The Times, Richard Stewart praised his friend’s remarkable vigor and mental acuity, remarking on his upright posture and sharp faculties that defied his age. Stewart remarked, “He was really something.”

Following World War II, Persichitti pursued a career as a high school carpentry teacher in Rochester, where he gained renown for visiting local schools and sharing his wartime experiences through engaging talks.

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