Name: Rickey E.
Hebert
email: dureh@lusfiber.net
Eulogy:
My father-in-law, Alan J. Coldwell of Denver, CO died on
September 04, 2019 at the age of 88. Alan served as
a US Navy Lieutenant aboard the USS New Jersey during the
Korean War Era. He was very proud of his military
service and especially grateful for the opportunity afforded
him to serve on such a great ship. When his health
and the opportunity permitted he enjoyed attending the annual
reunions of his shipmates.
Name:
Steve Ritacco
email: sritacco@WBBINC.COM
Eulogy: His name was Louis Michael Ritacco – father,
provider, husband, grandfather, great grandfather - transitioned
to a new life with the Lord on October 2, 2015 at the age
of 92. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Louis
served aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey from 1942-1945
as the U.S. fought the Japanese in the Pacific. The
‘Fighting Lady,’ his only other love, was the setting for
myriad war stories with which he regaled his children until
we could tell the stories ourselves. After his marriage
to Shirley Polivka (deceased), ‘Luigi’ dedicated his life
to supporting her and raising four boys…no small feat. Working
multiple jobs to make ends meet, he and Shirley attended
kids’ events such as little league, football, cub scouts,
and boy scouts while still managing to enjoy life with block
parties on the 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas, and any
other excuse to have a get-together. In their later
years, Lou and Shirley enjoyed square dancing, visiting
the kids, going to the ranch, and just enjoying life to
the fullest. Lou’s leather craft hobby also helped
him stay busy and produced many beautiful artifacts.
Louis, a nine year resident of Windsor Retirement Community
in Carol Stream, is survived by four sons, eight grandchildren
and one great grandchild. Families are: Steven (Beverly),
Kimberly and Kathleen of Stafford, VA; Richard (Donna),
Samantha, and Nicholas of Woodridge, IL; Robert (Monica),
Gina, Michael and Michael’s daughter, Alexia Grace, of Bartlett,
IL; Christopher (Kathy), Meagan, and Christian of Crestview,
FL. Lou will be missed, but he is happy to be reunited
with his best friend, Shirley.
Name: Chad Holtquist HT1
email: Chadcheri@aol.com
Eulogy: His name was CWO4 Steven Burks. He and I reported
aboard in the spring of 1987 a few weeks apart. He had just
made warrant before reporting and he hit the deck running.
I couldn't have asked for a better mentor/father figure
for my first sea tour. He was the mold for what a role model
should be cast of. That man knew how to support a division
and get the most out of us just out of the respect we had
for him. He stood for no nonsense even when it came from
the higher ups in our own division. Steve knew me and when
it came time for me to stay or get out, he helped me weigh
the options of either choice. Our division officer was an
LDO who hadn't been aboard very long and for whatever reason
didn't think I could handle the C school I wanted should
I have decided to stay in the Navy even though I was qualified
for the billet. I mentioned this to Steve off duty while
he was on leave after he had already checked out off BB-62
and enroute to CVN-70. He was aboard the next day and got
the ensign calibrated. I called
the detailer and got similar resistance. Steve happened
to still be in the room as I was on the phone. He took the
phone from me and identified himself and with a few words
and his backing I had orders enroute. This was one of many
examples of him taking care of the boys who took care of
him for our three years and two deployments together. When
I got the word he passed it was a punch right in the stomach.
I was looking forward to serving together again and showing
him he was right about me. His memory still inspires me
even though it's been 6 years since he left us and 10 since
I last saw him. Rest In Peace Mr. B and we'll ride together
again on the other side!
name: Gary Frazier
email: gfraz@hotmail.com
Eulogy: My maternal grandfather, Vernon Dee Griffin enlisted
1/25/43 and was Honorably Discharged on 2/6/1946. He was
a GM2/C on the BB-62 and received a commendation from Capt.
Carl F. Holden, Philippine Lib. Ribbon 2-Bronze Stars, American
Area Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon 1-Silver
& 4-Bronze Stars. He passed away in 1974 and I was only
4 at the time. I never got the chance to tell him bye, or
how proud I was to have such an honorable grandpa. May he
rest in peace and dream of the open sea...your grandson
Gary.
name: Doug Fritz
email: d3fritz@aol.com
/ d3f@tennantco.com
Eulogy: I remember CWO Steven Burks well. I remember him
as an intensely honorable man whom you would want to follow.
I had the honor of having him sign off a portion of my Quals
for the LEP/R&A. He later gave me a place to fit in
when I fit in nowhere else. I had started out with my General
Quarters Station in Turret 1, later I had transferred to
the Bridge. Through a some sort of paperwork mix-up I was
left with a GQ station no longer. Steve Burks told me to
come to Repair 2 where I "Was needed". I would become one
of the 2 investigators. He smiled when he told me
that he figured I was the only Bos'n Mate under E7 In a
repair locker that he knew of. After I had been trained
in for the job, before WestPac 89 /90 started, he walked
me through the motions as my observer. He said that the
job I held may prove necessary and was important for me
to make sure I know "Because you may just have to do it".
When we went into the Persian Gulf in December 1989 I realized
he was right, and I felt a lot more confident since he showed
me what to do. Fortunately my services were not needed.
But had something happened, all his Repair Division personnel
were trained right and professional. Steve Burks was a good
and honorable man. That is the best I can say about
any man. Doug Fritz (BM3 USS New Jersey U.S.Navy /
CPL 11B 6th ID U.S. Army).
name: Ed Campbell
email: edcampbell@prodigy.net
Eulogy: John (Jack) McDonald passed away in April
2002. He was 78 and a young man in spirit. I
can't honestly tell you I ever met him face to face although
I probably did once, at one of the reunions. I can
tell you he was a good man; full of enthusiasm uncommon
in most veterans his age. You can read his "sea stories"
on this site. Over the last three years he became
a friend and constant contributor to the development of
this site. He loved life and he loved our ship.
I miss him already.
name: Bruce H.Vansickle, LCDR,USN (Ret)
email: bvansickle@sprynet.com
Eulogy: Joseph L.Vansickle [Div "A",MM3] My father
reported aboard the USS New Jersey in 1943,unsure of date,
and stayed with 'her' until 1946. He never spoke of his
duties on the 'Jersey'. However, he remained a loyal 'Jerseyman.'
In the later years of his life the intensity of this loyalty
increased. He wanted to attend your last reunion, however
failing health prevented this from happening. Now that he
has passed, the reading of the journal he kept while aboard
the New Jersey has given me a better understanding of who
he was as a young man and young sailor. He instilled in
me the desire to enter the Navy and 'stay the course' for
my career. I am eternally grateful for that advise. I wish
you "Fair Winds and Following Seas" old salt and hope our
paths again in the distant future.
*******************************************************************************
04/08/03
name: Romeo "FRENCHY Frenette
email: romececi@yahoo.com
story:
Jim Flora passed away over the week-end.
I served with Jim on the second KOREAN Cruise, and never
forgot what a gentleman he was........
I can't fill his shoes, and it will be hard for anybody
to fill his shoes......
I got to know his Charming, Lovely Wife Frances Flora through
the Internet, and know deep how her heart must hurt right
now............
GOOD BY JIM AND MAY YOU REST IN
PEACE...YOU'VE EARNED YOUR REST...
name: Victoria Sorrentino Ehrler
e-mail: V_G_Ehrler@msn.com
In Loving Memory Of: Victor A. Sorrentino
(WWII)
February 18, 1924
December 3, 2003
God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to
be.
So he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to
me."
With tearful eyes we watched, and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you
stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at
rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the
best.
Your Loving Family,
name: Tom Lanagan
email: tlanagan@att.net
Eulogy: In honor of my uncle, Eugene Waterstraw, who
passed on in 1999. Gene was an
Electrician on the New Jersey and served in WW-II in the
Pacific campaign.
regards, Tom Lanagan
name: Wendy Zarr
email:
WMZ567@aol.com
Eulogy: My father Richard Anthony Zarr was a world war two
vet. He served his country on the USS New Jersey.
He was a loving father and a wonderful husband. His
birthdate 03-06-25 - 04-08-1995. He is loved and still
missed.
name: Donna Abate-Daughter of Former Shipmate John
Abate, WWII
email: faliero@msn.com
story:
Eulogy: For John Abate- Former WWII crewman on the
USS New Jersey
The USS New Jersey was your home during WWII. I know
you were proud to serve our country on this most decorated
ship. If you were here today, you would still be talking
about the ship and all its glory.
I can still remember the many stories you told of your service
during WWII and never once did you forgot to mention the
USS New Jersey.
You proudly wore the BB62 cap everywhere you went.
You spoke about how you fired the guns off the ship as was
your job as a fire controlman. You never mentioned being
afraid of the enormous responsibility you had been given.
You only mentioned that you were proud to serve your country
on such a great ship and with such great fellow crewmen.
I know we didn't make the reunion you were so anxiously
waiting to attend and know you would have been so happy
to meet your former crewmen.
In my heart you will always be remembered for the proud,
brave person you were, in serving our great nation.
You will be remembered by your family who will never forgot
the joy of having such a caring and giving father.
Most of all you will be remembered for being the best father
a daughter can have.
Until we meet again, your memory will always live on.
Love Your Daughter Donna
name: Maria Puckett
email: m_puckett15@yahoo.com
story:
My grandfather, Charles "Red" Foy served aboard the USS
New Jersey during WWII in the Pacific. He passed away
in May of 1998. Although he never spoke about the war, I
know that he and all who served on the New Jersey displayed
great amounts of courage every day that they served.
The ship's book sits in a place of prominence in my parent's
home and I whenever I visit and page through it I am reminded
of how much those sailors gave both during and after the
war and how each and every one of them was a true hero no
matter what their job.
Grandpa, you are missed everyday by us all.
name: Arthur W . Gott Jr.
email: a.gott2@verizon.net
story:
Arthur W. Gott was buried today 02/17/05. He served aboard
the BBNJ-62 as S-3 during 1950-52. He would always tell
us that those two years aboard ship were the best years
of his life. He won an all expense pd trip to Paris for
a week in a singing contest on ship. His class ring was
his prized possession. It was our pleasure to accompany
him 3yrs ago to visit his old ship. He got the royal treatment
as a returning vet.
Dad it is my pleasure to honor you by wearing your ring
as a tribute to your faithful service to our great country.
You are enrolled in the roll call of the faithful. God bless
you through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior forever and
ever. Amen
Love,
Arthur W. Gott Jr. Georgetown, Ma.
name: Phillip Fougere Jr.
email: flipfou@hotmail.com
story:
Phillip L. Fougere
78 Years Old
Thompson CT - native of Westboro, MA
Died Oct 25, 2006
Veteran of WWII (YMS 361) and Korean Conflict (BB-62).
Took part in major combat operations. My Dad was immensely
proud of his service and it would mean a lot to my family
if his passing were recorded here. Was was a true
patriot and wonderful role model. In 1967 he lost
his eyesight due to retinitis pigmantosis and used his VA
benefits to go back to school and earn a Bachelors and Masters.
He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for nearly
20 years as director of a social rehab facility and raised
3 children, 4 stepchildren and had 19 grandchildren and
6 great-grandchildren. As you can well imagine. He
will be greatly missed everyday by all he touched.
name: Suzanne Devlin
email:
irishsuzanne@msn.com
story:
My husband, Ed Devlin passed
away on 12/13/07 after a long battle with kidney disease
and cancer but he never stopped talking about his ship "The
U.S.S.New Jersey aboard which he served as Fire Control
during the Korean War. Besides, his family whom he loved
dearly he was never prouder of anything in his life as serving
aboard the Battleship New Jersey and always wore a jacket,
baseball hat or a shirt which proudly had the ship'w silhouette
or embroidering and he was always ready to talk to anyone
who asked him about his service. He went to his death wearing
a U.S.S,New Jersey Polo Shirt as the caregivers at the Hospice
House all knew of his love for the "damn ship in the U.S.
Navy and I promised him that I would add him to the taps
list as soon as possible.
He is missed dearly but will never
be forgotten.
name: MICHELLE BUCKLEY LEONARD
email:
MICHELLENTZC@YAHOO.COM
story:
MY TRIBUTE IS TO MY ONE AND ONLY
HERO, HE TAUGHT ME MANY THINGS, FROM RIDING A BIKE, TO DRIVING
A CAR. TAUGHT ME HOW TO TIE KNOTS, JUST LIKE IN THE
NAVY. HE ALWAYS SPOKE HIGHLY OF BEING ON THE USS NEW
JERSEY AND HIS FRIENDS THERE, FRANK RAGONE AND CHUCK SMITH,
AMONG MANY OTHERS. HE WAS MY HERO, HE WAS MY DADDY.........HENRY
CURTIS BUCKLEY 5TH DIV. KOREA JUNE 1, 1930 -
JANUARY 23, 2008
SINCERELY, HIS LOVING DAUGHTER,
MICHELLE
name: Jim Copping
e-mail: james
[jcopping@comcast.net]
Lawrence Arthur “Bud “Zipp Seaman First
Class passed away on February 2nd 2013 at his
home near Charlevoix Michigan. He enlisted in the
US Navy the day after his 17th Birthday on May
26, 1942. He underwent basic training at Great Lakes
Naval Station and assigned to the Cruiser Memphis.
The Memphis was the Flagship for President Roosevelt at
the Casablanca Conference (Jan 1943) with Winston Churchill
where they planned the invasion of Italy. He transferred
to the Battleship New Jersey and became a “Plank
Owner” in May 1943. He served in the FA Division until
October 17th 1945. We were fortunate
to hear him recount stories of the shakedown cruise
in the Atlantic with target practice and modifications to
the ship that were made and the eventual passage through
the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean. He had a keen
memory of the events that occurred during the months and
years that he served on the New Jersey... He could
vividly describe the details of air battles, refueling and
rearming procedures, evasive maneuvers of the ship and riding
out the typhoon. We were honored that he shared these
reflections with us as he was a very private man.
He left the New Jersey in October 1945 when he was twenty
years old. He was awarded nine battle stars for the
Asiatic-Pacific and two stars for the Philippine Liberation
Campaigns... America owes a great debt of gratitude to those
who serve their country as Bud and fellow crew members did.
We think of him often and will miss him.
name: James M. O'Rourke
e-mail:
chelaine@comcast.net
Served in the Korean War on the
USS New Jersey, and was a member of American Legion Post
139, Milford, Pa., and American Legion Post 118, Secaucus,
N.J. James Michael was born in Providence, R.I.
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