WALL OF VALOR
Including your loved on our WALL OF VALOR is a meaningful way to pay tribute to their service. A listing can be included here automatically, if desired, when mentioned in an obituary as "Donations in Memory of". Donations can also be made any time to the World War II Legacy Foundation "In Memory Of" and request them to be listed on this WALL OF VALOR.
Please contact us for details.
Corporal Joseph R. Richard
United States Marines, World War II
4th Marine Division
Joseph R. Richard, 101, of East Granby, passed away just 3 short days after the passing of his beloved wife, Lorraine (Dias) Richard. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on July 22, 1922, the son of the late Fred and Eva (LeBlanc) Richard. Joe attended local schools and after graduating from high school enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps 4th Marine division during WWII until his honorable discharge as a Corporal on October 25, 1945.
Upon his return home, Joe enjoyed a successful career as a Quality Control Engineer at Pratt & Whitney. He and his wife Lorraine were longtime parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Poquonock. Joe was an avid woodworker, he enjoyed fishing and was actively involved in the East Granby Veterans Group and the CT Iwo Jima veteran’s association.
Joseph passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2023, at his home.
Corporal Frank J. Peters
United States Marines, World War II
4th Marine Division
Born on December 17th, 1924, to Frank and Ann Peteroski, Frank Peters is a longtime Windsor resident and World War II veteran. Frank J. Peters, 100, was the beloved husband for 58 years of the late Lillian (Quattrini) Peters. Frank proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served as a Corporal in the 25th Marine Regiment of the 4th Division during World War II. He participated in the battles of Roi-Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Frank was employed with Emhart, retiring after 35 years of service, as the only Executive Driver; a job he truly loved.
Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and dear friend. He will fondly be remembered as a kind man with a sharp wit. The great joy of Frank’s life was gathering with his family, and with many of those gatherings ending up at the kitchen table to play a lively game of cards.
Frank passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, at his home.
Staff Sergeant Ludwig Samuel Gahr
United States Army Air Force, World War II
599th Bombardment Squadron, B-26 Bomber
Sam was born on May 13, 1918 in Bristol, son of the late Ludwig and Emilie (Zabel) Gahr.
He was a lifelong resident of Bristol and was a man of strong faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he was a very devout Christian. He attended the Bristol school system and later enlisted in the US Army Air Corp 599th Bombardment squadron, to fight for our country. A WWII veteran, the Staff Sergeant was a top turret gunner aboard a B-26 bomber. During the time of battle, his plane had gotten shot down during combat and he survived the wreckage. Sam held this story very dear to his heart and would tell it of his combat missions. We thank him for giving of himself for his bravery and courage to fight for our country and our freedom.
After his discharge, he had worked for Ingrahams for many years then found employment at Superior Electric for 23 years until his retirement in 1983. Following his retirement, he took a part-time job at Bristol Savings Bank for the next 10 years.
Sam was predeceased by his loving wife Frances of over 60 years.
Sam was an avid golf enthusiast; and enjoyed watching his golf tournaments on TV in his later years. He also had a passion for sailing and traveling with his wife, to many European countries, Bermuda and Florida.
After his wife's passing, Sam became the utmost joy to his two very dear friends who took care of him, both Francine and Cheri, whom he loved so dearly and considered them his two girls. They provided him with many years of love, companionship and support.
Sam passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023 at 105 years old. It is with very heavy hearts that we have lost our cherished friend of many. Anyone who ever met Sam, couldn't help but to fall in love with his witty personality, and gentle nature. He will always be remembered for his legacy of having such a compassionate and loving heart. He will be so deeply missed by the many people who loved him so dearly, his caregivers and all the people he met along the way. His spirit will always live in our hearts forever, reminding us to cherish every moment, just as he did throughout his remarkable 105 years. We will forever treasure all our memories and moments spent with this amazing man.
Michael Mihalyo
United States Navy, World War II
Chief Gunners Mate
USS Ellet (DD-398)
Michael Mihalyo served his country in the Army's Calvary before entering World War II and reenlisted in the Navy just before WWII began. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor at the Gunnery School when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. The USS Ellet received 10 Battle Stars for its participation in battle of the Pacific Theater. Michael was born in 1915 and lived in New Britain, CT. He passed in 1975 at the age of 60.
A photo of your loved one can be placed here.
Name
Details about your loved one can be included here as well as logos, military service, lifetime interest, jobs and achievements.
A photo of your loved one can be placed here.
Name
Details about your loved one can be included here as well as logos, military service, lifetime interest, jobs and achievements.
World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.
WALL OF VALOR Submission Form
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Please fill out this form and submit to include a person on the WALL OF VALOR of the World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.
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We kindly ask that you submit payment by check made out to "World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.". Indicate "sponsorship" in the memo.
Mail to:
World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.
c/o Gary Roy
61 Matthew Road
East Hartford, CT 06108
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