This website is devoted to all soldiers who served and continue to serve with the 299th. |
        |
- OBITUARIES -
|
Robert N. "Lefty" Lowenstein
"C" Company
|
11-14-14 - Robert N. "Lefty" Lowenstein
TOWN OF BUFFALO —Robert N. Lowenstein, veteran of D-Day invasion Published: November 17, 2014, 08:07 PM Updated: November 17, 2014, 09:14 PM Aug. 23, 1924 – Nov. 14, 2014 Robert N. “Lefty” Lowenstein, of the Town of Tonawanda, a World War II veteran who was in the first wave of soldiers to reach Omaha Beach in the D-Day Normandy invasion, died Friday in Buffalo General Medical Center. He was 90. Born in Buffalo, he had worked for two years as a clerk in the New York Central’s Black Rock railroad yard when he joined the Army and became part of an underwater demolition team. On the morning of D-Day, June 6, 1944, his unit, C Company of the 299th Combat Engineers Battalion, was assigned to destroy the enemy obstacles offshore so that landing craft could get close enough to discharge soldiers onto Omaha Beach. Pinned down in the water by intense enemy fire as he was attaching explosives to the obstacles, he and another soldier swam to shore, where he helped disable an enemy fortification, forcing 13 German soldiers to surrender. “I was hit twice in the helmet, my gas mask was shot through, and my canteen was shot through,” he told a Buffalo News reporter earlier this year. After the war, he returned to his job at the railroad, working for nearly 44 years before he retired in the 1980s. Mr. Lowenstein also was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and deer hunter. He was a member of Ancient Landmarks Masonic Lodge 358. His wife, the former Peggy Lee, died in 1990. Survivors include four daughters, Barbara A. Cohen, Diane L. Puglia, Kathryn J. Stoneberg and Margaret E. Ruisi; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services were held in Lester H. Wedekindt Funeral Home, 3290 Delaware Ave., Town of Tonawanda. |
John W. Wotjowicz "C" Company
|
9-9-13 - John W. Wotjowicz
TOWN OF NIAGARA — John W. Wojtowicz, 90, of the Town of Niagara, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in the Town of Niagara, NY, he was the son of the late Andrew M. and Margaret (Tlomak) Wojtowicz. During World War II, Mr. Wojtowicz was drafted in the United States Army in 1942 and was a member of the famous 299th Combat Engineers whose unofficial motto is "First on Omaha." After training with other men from the Town of Niagara in Oregon, they departed via a converted cargo ship to participate in the invasion of Normandy. His tour of duty included building bridges in France and Belgium. He survived the Battle of the Bulge during freezing winter conditions and participated in five conduct missions. John was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. As a young man, he returned home and married Mary (Pucci) Wojtowicz and built their home. Mrs. Wojtowicz predeceased him on March 16, 2009, after more than 55 years of marriage. John enjoyed traveling across the country with his wife, including their honeymoon trip to California along Route 66. He also enjoyed tending his large garden, as well as helping his neighbors and friends build and repair things. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.
|
"A" Company
|
4-18-13 - Leon J. Kukulka
Leon J. Kukulka passed from this life on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the age of 89. Leon was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 10, 1923 to parents Andzej and Zofia Kukulka.
|
"A" Company
|
4-14-13 - James J. Olivia
James J. Oliva, 88, of Kirkwood, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his loving parents; Salvatore and Maria Oliva; father and mother-in-law ; Mike and Lillie Pagano; beloved sister, Josephine Penna , and sister-in-law Louise Gregus. James is survived by his loving wife of over 65 years, Antoinette (Ann) Oliva; five children and their spouses; Salvatore Oliva, Cathy Oliva, James Jr. and Melanie Oliva, Edward and Lu Ann Oliva, Mary and Christopher Martinson, Michael and Karen Oliva; thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, Jada Oliva, Randy Oliva, Scott Oliva, Justin Oliva, Nicholas and Kaitlin Martinson, Daniel Martinson, Eric and Jessica Oliva, Jeff and Leah Oliva, Brittany (Chase) Oliva, Crystal Spear, Nathan Oliva, Lindsey Oliva; four great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews including two special nephews and their wives; Vincent and Carolyn Penna and Mike and Laura Gregus. James proudly served in the Army during WWII in the 299th Combat Engineers, whom were one of the first to invade the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He retired from the Binghamton City School District and was a member of the American Legion Post 82 in Endicott as well as the Sons of Italy and the Moose Club. The family would like to thank all the special angels at Willow Point Nursing Home South One for treating Jim with respect, dignity and for loving him. He truly loved you all back.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.savagefs.com.
|
Charles Lee
|
6-9-12 - Charles Lee
Charles Lee At home surrounded by the family he so loved Charles passed peacefully on Saturday, June 9, 2012. Beloved husband of Jean Egan Lee, loving father of Kevin and Dennis Lee; Moira Simunovich (Jim); Terri LaJoie (Jerry); Sheila Trombadore (Mike); proud grandfather of Stephanie Kindler (Dorsey); Daniel (Morgan), Matthew and Sarah Simunovich; Caitlin. Mark, Andrew and step grandson Jacob LaJoie; Charlie, Erin and Henry Trombadore; great-granddaughter Aimee Jean. A third generation San Franciscan, Charlie was born July 19, 1925 to Eugenia and Charles Lee. Growing up in the Sunset District he attended Francis Scott Key grade school, Lowell High School, class of winter '42. During World War II he enlisted in the army and was assigned to the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion. With the Fighting 299th, Charlies' primary duty was to drive a 2 1/2 ton truck in combat areas hauling personnel, explosives , and military supplies. He participated in the Normandy campaign in France, the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, and was among the first US troops to cross the Rhine River into Germany. Upon his return to San Francisco, he enrolled in the University of San Francisco. After his graduation and marriage in 1949 he started his working career in San Francisco and thus began a lifelong love of the oil business, starting with Tidewater Oil in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Occidental Petroleum, Los Angeles and retiring as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Natomas Company. After his retirement from Natomas, he worked for Smith Barney as a managing director. He served on five corporate boards: American President Lines, Bergen Brunswig Corp. Greyhound Bus Lines, Mattel Inc and Natomas Company. He is a Trustee Emeritus and President's Ambassador of U.S.F., and was named alumnus of the year 1996 by the University. He is a Knight of Malta, a former Serran and a thirty eight year member of the Church of Nativity. He served as the Chair of the Board of Regents 1998-2001 at St. Patrick's Seminary. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his care givers, Jose Pinto, Charlie Malag, and William Halapua. Our deepest gratitude to the hospice team of Pathways who were with us every minute and to San Carlos Adult Daycare CYO for their compassionate care these many years. See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=158022786#sthash.Idy88jwg.dpuf
|
"A" Company
|
6-18-12 - Mike Accordino
It is with great sadness that I tell you of Mike Accordino's passing. Mike had always been a true friend to all the 299er's, keeping in touch with so many widows and families after the war…..he was also my friend and helped so much through the years with the www.299thcombatengineers.com website and for that we will all be forever grateful. The 299th was so important to him. His Funeral Service information: C. Mertz & Son Funeral Home Wed June 20th 7-9pm Funeral Services Friday June 22 *In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's memory to Honor Flight Buffalo. (*He was scheduled for an honor flight with his son a week or so ago but unfortunately could not fly due to the cancer/illlness.) Please keep his family in your prayers. Thank-you for your service and friendship, Jeannie Tucker |
Armand J. LaChance
"B" Company |
6-20-12 - Armand J. LaChance
We regret to inform you of the passing of Armand Joseph LaChance, aka: Frenchie. He was a decorated WWII veteran and P.O.W. and a proud member of the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion, the first group to land on the beach on D-Day. May God Bless you and keep you.....thank-you for your brave service. You were very loved and will be missed... Jeannie Tucker |
James E. Knight
"C" Company
|
3-6-12 - James E. Knight
James E. Knight, 87, of Fulton, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at St. Luke Health Services in Oswego. - Valley News |
Vincent M. Regan |
2-9-12 - Vincent M. Regan
At the age of 88. He was a WWII Veteran 299th Combat Engineer, Normandy and Central Europe, The Ardenness. He also was a member of Teamsters Local 107. Loving husband of Rita (nee McPeak), devoted father of Vincent (Terry), Patrick (Karen), Rita Crumlish, Michael (Mary Lou), John (Christine) and Maureen Jordan (Dan). Dear Pop of 23 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Thursday 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM St. Christopher Church, 13301 Proctor Road, Phila., PA 19116 followed by his Funeral Mass 11 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Pop requests donations to SPIN (Special People in Northeast) www.spininc.org on behalf of Moira Regan. |
Thomas J. Netti
|
6-24-11 - Thomas J. Netti
AUBURN, NY - Thomas J. Netti, 87 formerly of 7 Wallace Ave., Auburn passed away peacefully Thursday morning June 23,2011, at the Cayuga County Nursing Home in Sennett. He was born in Auburn on Jan. 10,1924, the son of the late Francesco and Philomenia Batisti Netti and had been a life resident. Thomas was a WWII Army veteran, being part of the 299th Combat Engineers Battalion. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion. Tom was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Prior to his retirement, Tom had been self employed for numerous years as a contractor for many local homes and businesses. In his earlier years, Tom enjoyed bowling, golfing, archery and gardening. He was most happy the times spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Tom will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to get to know him. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rose Larizza Netti; a daughter, Grace Ann Netti, three sons Frank and his wife, Deborah, Jim and his wife, Katie, Joe Netti ; a daughter-in-law Rose Marie Netti, all of Auburn, 12 grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by two sons, John and Steven Netti; and two brothers, John and Pat Netti. There are no public calling hours. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, in St. Francis of Assisi Church for Thomas's Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded. Due to the great care and compassion for the past 13 years given to Tom, contributions may be made in his memory to the Cayuga County Nursing Home, County House Road, Sennett, NY 13021. Funeral services are arranged by the Pettigrass Funeral Home. "Tom attended all 299th reunions while he was in good health. He was very active in the memorials that were held in Auburn for the 299ers KIA His efforts help bring together the 299th veterans through out New York State to attend the memorial services." |
Stewart F. MacMillan
|
6-7-11 - Stewart Forbes MacMillan
DEXTER, N.Y. — Stewart Forbes MacMillan, 87, of North Shore Road, Pillar Point, died Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Samaritan Hospital where he had been a patient after suffering an unexpected heart attack on June 2nd. Born in Watertown on September 1, 1923, he was the younger of two children born to Earl Leroy MacMillan and Florence Frances (Forbes) MacMillan. Stewart's brother, Donald Earl MacMillan, died in an accident in 1944 at age 22. Stewart was the great-grandson of Jennie MacMillan, the first elected female NY Justice of the Peace. Stewart graduated with honors from Watertown High School in 1941, was a graduate of Becker College in Worcester, MA, and earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from St. Lawrence University. He served with both the First and Third Armies during WWII. As a medic with the 299th Combat Engineers, he landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, D-Day. Just prior to the landing, he and several other members of the unit signed a $2 bill which is now on display at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received at Normandy on June 6, 1944, and in Belgium on December 30, 1944. He was discharged in the rank of Corporal (E4). Following the war, he married Janice Ann Lewis on June 29, 1947. The marriage ceremony was performed by Supreme Court Justice Ferdinand Pecora at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. He retired in 1979 from Lederle Laboratories in Rockland County where he had worked as a budget analyst. Stewart was a passionate social activist, whose political views were frequently expressed in letters to the editors of several newspapers, to include, among others, the Watertown Daily Times, the Boston Globe, the Cape Cod Times, the Cape Codder, The Nation, and The Guardian. His photograph once appeared in Time magazine as a result of his protest of U.S. involvement in the Gulf War. After 59 years of marriage, Stewart lost his beloved wife on December 2, 2006. Surviving are four daughters and four sons-in-law, Bonnie and Jose Mason, of Philadelphia, PA, Nancy and Hugh Sheridan, of Pulaski, NY, Donna and Stephen Scanlon, of Marietta, PA, and Laurie and Dwight Austin, of Pillar Point; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are made with the Reed and Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown. There will be no calling hours or funeral. There will be a private graveside service at the family's convenience at North Cemetery in Watertown. Stewart was a generous and kind man who will be deeply missed. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
|
Anthony DeTomaso
|
2-11-11 - Anthony DeTomaso Anthony DeTomaso 86, of Auburn, NY, husband of the late Elizabeth Audin DeTomaso passed away. He was an Army veteran of WWII and a mamber of the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion. He was a communicant of St. Francis Church.
|
James H. Burke
"B" Company
|
5-6-10 - James H. Burke
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr. James H. Burke...early in the morning today, May 6th, 2010. Jim was a friend to me as I am sure he was to a lot of you. He helped me in so many ways when it came to getting information for the www.299thcombatengineers.com web site. Jim spent countless hours and took many a trip over to the Bedford, Virginia D-Day Memorial to make sure the men of the 299th were not forgotten and that the information they had about the unit and it's D-Day KIA's was correct. It was important to him that the Memorial knew how much we all supported them in their efforts to remember all the brave soldiers who participated in D-Day. He was such a friend to so many of the veterans and their wives and families....staying in touch and calling them. It was my honor to attend the "Battle of the Bulge" Reunion dinner, in Tucson, AZ, with Jim back in October 2009. I was very proud to be his guest and at the time he was in very good health and spirit. Here is a photo from that event. My heart sank when I got the news today...I will miss him. Please add Jim and his family to your prayers and know that he was ever proud to be a 299th Combat Engineer. May He Rest in Peace, Jeannie Tucker James H. "Jim" Burke, 86, of the Stuarts Draft Christian Home, and formerly of Skaneateles, NY, passed away Thursday, May 6, 2010.
A funeral service will be held on August 2, 2010 at 9:30 AM at St Mary's Church in Skaneateles. |
|
1-12-10 - Norb Mankiewicz Norbert J. Mankiewicz, of Grand Island, husband of late Irene Rose (Krawczyk) Mankiewicz. Kaiser Funeral Home, 1959 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10am (Jan 16th, 2010) at St. Stephans Church, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. "Norb Mankiewicz landed on Omaha Beach assault Boat "F" He was wounded and never returned to the 299th. He was placed.with an Engineer Battalion in an armoured division. The 299th always was #1 with Norb. He served on the Buffalo Committee for years and with his efforts the reunions were always a success. I will miss him." Mike Accordino
|
Andrew L. Miles
"B" Company |
12-25-09 - Andrew L. Miles Andrew L. Miles, 85, of 1350 Jewell Drive, formerly of West Carthage, died in the emergency room of the Samaritan Medical Center after being stricken at his residence. Arrangements are incomplete with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage.
In lieu of flowers, Contributions in his memory may be made to United
|
Leonce W. Hadel
"B" Company |
11-5-09 -Leonce Whitey Haydel
Leonce (Whitey) Haydel was a Sgt. in B Company who Joined the 299th just Condolences can be sent to his daughter: Annette Le Friant - 800 Apricot Street. New Orleans. LA. 70118. and to his son: Leonce Haydel JR. - 2201 East Canterbary LaPlace, New Orleans, LA 70068 Thank-you to all of you who sent him a card while he was ill & May God Bless Him...
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Paul J. Morawic
|
4-11-09 - Paul J. Morawic
Paul Morawic, 85, of the town of Niagara died at Our Lady of Peace nursing care residence in Lewiston, NY after a breif illness. A World War II Veteran, Mr. Morawic served in the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion as a Corporal in all five European Campaigns including D-Day, where he landed on Utah Beach. He received numerous Military Decorations which included the Distinguished Unit Citation and Bronze Service Star for each of the following campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, The Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. To read the obituary in the Niagara Gazette:Click Here |
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
2008 - Ben Callard
(Ben & Doris Callard at the 299th reunion in 2007) He was drafted in the service at Rochester,NY. Ben was in the invasion of Normandy and participated in all the actions that followed. Ben and Doris attended most of the reunions and attended the 2007 reunion. He was always ready with his camera and took a lot of pictures. He will be missed, Condolences can be sent to:
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Mike Marchioli "H&S" Company |
3-10-07 - Mike Marchioli
Mike was in "H&S" and the "Water Point Crew". He was a very active member of the 299th Combat Engineer Reunion Committees ever since the beginning, serving for 51 years with the Buffalo committee. Condolences can be sent to his wife: Sue Marchioli 57.Haley Lane Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Please mention you are connected with the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion.
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Anthony Jefferson Private First Class "A" Company
|
10-2-07 - Anthony "Dudley" Jefferson
Born July 23, 1923 to Edward and Julia (George) Jefferson, Anthony was a lifetime fisherman and woodcutter who loved his community. "Each demolition team was loaded in an LCM, (landing craft) and these landing craft carrieda ton of explosives and accessories, all which were hand carried. Anthony was a demolitionist; he carried eight sticks of C2 strapped to his back and his front. "On the way to the beach, when one would get hit, it would explode and the one next to it would too. Most of my unit were killed by gunfire; some were blown up when the bullets struck the explosives strapped to our bodies" Anthony recieved a Purple Heart for taking a bullet through the back of the hand on D-Day. To sign the online guest book and leave a message...Click Here
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Edwin A. Palmer
|
7-5-07 - Mr. Edwin A. Palmer
Anyone wishing to send condolences can send them to: Mrs. Edwin A. Palmer - 35 Harpending Ave. Dundee New York, 14387
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Eugene D. Shales
"B" Company |
9-11-06 - Eugene "Gene" D. Shales
August 11, 2006 at age 81. A Rochester native, Mr. Shales is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Svetlana; daughters Karin (Joseph) Miltsch, Jackie (Franck) Poncelet, June Schirmer, and Robin Marinaro; sister, Anne Hutchinson; brother, H. Richard (Patricia) Werth; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews & cousins. A member of the 299th Combat Engineers Battalion in WWII, Mr. Shales participated in the Normandy invasion, landing on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He went on to fight in four additional campaigns in Northern France, the Ardennes, the Battle of the Bulge, and Rhineland, where he was wounded and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart. Other decorations include the Distinguished Unit Badge, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with Arrowhead. Upon his return from the war, he attended the University of Rochester, graduating in 1950 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked at Kodak, retiring in 1983 as a Department Head of Quality Control at Hawkeye. A Memorial Service will be held at CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, 495 N. Winton Rd. (between Browncroft & Humboldt), Saturday, August 19 at 11 AM. Private interment. For those wishing, please consider honoring Mr. Shales with a donation to the Foundation of Highland Hospital Acute Care for the Elderly (A.C.E. Unit), 1000 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 Online Condolences welcomed at: www.CrawfordFuneralHome.com
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Clifton R. Menders
|
6-24-99 - Clifton R. Menders
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. -- Clifton R. Menders, 74, died Thursday, June 24, 1999, in Tennessee following a short illness.
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Dave Rosenthal /299th WWII - My name is Jeffrey Rosenthal. I'm one of 3 grandson's of the late Dave Rosenthal from Binghamton, NY. On this day, I find it appropriate to express my utter respect and grattitude to all Veterans of this country. However, I more specifically wish to express my deepest admiration of my grandfather and the men he served with. On this 11th day of the 11th month of 2006, I am filled with pride as I fondly recollect the history of the men of the 299th. I wish to acknowledge these men for all of their heroics, sacrifice and dedication. I, along with the world, honor them today with total appreciation. I've always been a passionate consumer of WWII history and discussed often with my grandfather, his experiences during his service. I am however, always eager to learn more about this most dynamic period of history so if I could get in contact with some of my grandfather's surviving comrades, I would appreciate it very much. I have met several members of the 299th at reunions when I was younger and met a few more recently at my grandfather's funeral. I hope they will be open to getting in contact with me. With sincerity, Jeffrey A. Rosenthal - dr_feel_good66@yahoo.com
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
|
If you have an obituary you would like posted...CLICK HERE |
 |
Copyright © 2006 / All rights reserved. |
