OFFICERS

Taps

117th Cav Association

Honor Roll

This page is dedicated to our fallen brothers, sisters and their spouses. The post will remain here for a month or so and then removed. I will create an archive for those who wish to review these at a later date. - John

We all will meet them at Fiddler's Green

Joseph P. Mulford Sr. Passed away on 28 September 2009, in Phoenix AZ. He was a Trustee of the Essex Troop Association, and retired a Sergeant First Class after serving for 27 years in the NJARNG. He was an Administrative Assistant with the Essex County Youth House, retiring after 23 years. He also worked for Professional Security in Nutley. His wife Carol (nee Boland) had passed away previously. Devoted father of Michele Stelling, Joseph Jr., Margaret Mulford and James R. Mulford, USMC; sister Agnes Conway and 5 grandchildren.

LTC (Ret.) Knute E. Seebohm Died 5 October 2009, Chester NJ. He served in the US Army 1970-1972 and later joined the NJARNG, retiring in 1993. He was past CO 2-102nd ARMOR and an active member of the Iron Horsemen Association. He had retired as Director of the Morris County Library. He is survived by his wife Janet, sons Scott, Erik, Todd and their wives and children; sisters Ingrid McCollum and Lorna Nelson and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Keith Ashley Died 18 September 2009, Melbourne, FL. He served in the 117th Cavalry as a Sergeant, Troop A, mortar platoon. He was a co-founder of Ultimate Tool and Manufacturing, and later director of mechanical and manufacturing engineering at NBS. He was an inventor and had nine U. S. Patents. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, sons Brett and Drew, 3 grandchildren and a brother David Ashley.

George Frederick Kimble, Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Passed away on 21 June 2009, Westfield, NJ. Served in the WWII US Army Air Force as a Sergeant. Joined the 5th CAV Recon, Troop A in 1947 and rose to 1SG before transferring to the 250th Signal Battalion, retiring as Command Sergeant Major. His sons Frederick J. and Kenneth R. Sr. also served in and retired from the 250th Signal BN. The CSM was predeceased by his devoted wife of 57 years, Jean. She was the sister of LTC (Ret.) Ken Quaas. Kimble and Quaas joined the 5th CAV Recon together in 1947. Mr. Kimble was with Cummins Metropolitan in Newark for 33 years, retiring as warehouse manager. He was an avid fisherman and Jersey Shore sailor. He is survived by his 3 children - Frederick J. Kimble and his wife Nancy; Kenneth R. Kimble Sr.; and Karen J. Bare and her husband Tracy. Also survived by four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by daughter-in-law Carol (wife of Kenneth) and grand-daughter Trisha Marie (daughter of Frederick).

HENRY V. BERNARDSKI Died Tuesday, 3 March 2009 at Bayonne Medical Center. He was 89. A lifelong resident of Bayonne, he served in the US Army during WWII; a combat veteran with the 117th Cavalry Squadron. He was a proud Class of ’41 member of the Essex Troop and 117th Cavalry Associations, and a supporter of the National Guard Militia Museum of NJ. He was a machinist with Singer Manufacturing in Elizabeth, for 37 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Tina, a daughter Donna; siblings Mary Lewchuck, Vincent, Rudy and Bruno Bednarski. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Lou Bernardski and many loving nieces and nephews.

DOROTHY (WILCOX) REPKE Died on Wednesday, 15 April 2009 at her home in Concordia, Monroe Twsp. NJ. She was 86 years old. Mrs. Repke was born in Halifax, Canada and settled in Newark, NJ. She became a US Citizen in 1950, and moved to Scotch Plains NJ, where she lived for many years before moving to Monroe Twsp. She was a bookkeeper with Loreal Co. in Clark, retiring in 1977, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cranbury. She was predeceased by her husband William O. Repke, a WWII combat veteran of the 117th Cavalry Squadron, who died in 2007. She is survived by three daughters, Gail R. Foust and husband David L. of Macedonia, OH; Donna L. Repke of Lawrenceville, GA; Lisa R. Curtin and husband Tom of North Brunswick and five grandchildren.

JOANN I. KLEIN Passed away on Monday, 20 April 2009 at her home in West Chester, PA. She was born in Jamaica, NY; Joann was the daughter of the late Joseph and Nellie Ruth Whipple Infanger. She met her lifelong love and husband Kenneth in the Roselle Park High School. They were married 51 years. They lived in Cranford for 30 years before moving to West Chester, PA. After raising her four children, she attended Kean University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in early childhood handicap education. Joann taught for 22 years in the Cranford school system. She enjoyed traveling in the USA and Western Europe. She is survived by her loving husband Colonel Kenneth C. Klein, retired from the New Jersey Army National Guard and the Exxon Corporation. Colonel Klein is a past commander of the 5/117th Cavalry; also children Jennifer Kearns, Linda Klein, Kenneth C. Klein and Katherine Klein; a brother Joseph Infanger and seven grandchildren.

MAURO FIERRO Died on Thursday, 30 April 2009 at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth NJ. Mr. Fierro was born in Salerno, Italy and immigrated to Elizabeth, NJ at the age of 15, where he lived in the Peterstown section. He was a resident of Clark for the past 20 years. A Vietnam Veteran (1967-1970) serving in the US Navy, he joined the 5/117th Cavalry at the Westfield Armory, serving for almost 17 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in 1995. He was a member of the American Legion Post 328 and the VFW Post 7363, Clark NJ. He retired from the Union County Correctional Facility as a Lieutenant after 20 years. He was a member of PBA Chapter 199. Survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Mrs. Barbara (Bucci) Fierro; devoted father of Ms. Christina Fierro, Mrs. Theresa Koursaris and husband Stelios; Mrs. Adrianna Fierro; granddaughter Elaina Koursaris.

James Joseph Minnitti Passed on Sunday, 27 December 2008 at his home in West Orange, NJ. He was a Special Police Officer for the Township of Orange for many years. A proud Essex Trooper, Minniti was a WWII veteran, joining the 102nd Cavalry Regiment in 1942. He saw action throughout the war as a driver for the squadron commander. He was active in the VFW and the Essex Troop Association. Survived by his children Joan Dittrich, Jos. E. Minniti and Diane Cross; brother of Anthony, Jeannette Scala, Benny, Carmen and Michael and survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Robert Mark Goldstein of Green Brook, NJ. Died on 1 February 2009. Son of Barbara and COL (Ret.) Sandford B. Goldstein. An attorney, he was a graduate of University of Colorado with a degree in Astrophysics, and William Mitchell College of Law. Survived by his parents, a brother Kevin and his family; his children Saiya and Ilona of Colorado and Isadore of Minnesota; and his loving companion Isabella Volz.

KATHERINE O’NEIL Died on 1 February 2009 Las Vegas, NV. Wife of George O’Neil, Class of ’41, 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz). 5 Children.

Gordon Grenville Smith, 71 He died as a result of injuries sustained while fox hunting, 21 September 2008. Casanova, VA. Was Commander of Troop A, 5/117th Cavalry, Westfield NJ, 1970. Member of 117th Cavalry Association. Graduate of Michigan State University with a BS degree in Agriculture and received an MBA from The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business in 1971. His career began with Johnson &Johnson as Group Product Director; he then went on to successfully develop the Somerset Medical Office Park in Somerville, NJ. Consulted to physicians in business management. Gordon was a passionate foxhunter, loved books and loved his family. He is survived by his son Gordon G. Smith Jr. of Bloomfield, MI, a daughter Elizabeth Alden Smith of Orlean, VA, his sister Linda Stedman Montague of St. Michaels, MD. Also surviving are his fiancé Judy Allen of Casanova, VA and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on October 17, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christopher Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078

Warren J. Garoni, 88 Passed away 27 August 2008. Chester, VT. Class of ’41 member, 102nd Cavalry, sent to North Africa with 2nd Squadron, original member 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz). Tech 4 Garoni was wounded on 29 December 1944 in action near Bitche, France. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Soldier’s Medal. Travelled to Europe for 50th Anniversary of WWII, visiting cemeteries and concentration camps. Member of American Legion Post 67, Chester VT. A member of the Essex M Troop and the 117th Cavalry Associations. Garoni grew up in Montclair and raised his family there. He was with Prudential Insurance for 31 years. Survived by a son Leigh of NY, a daughter Christine Petrizzo of Florida, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Also two sisters, Eleanor and Geraldine.

Ralph Bockino, 89 Passed away on 15 June 2008. St. James, NY. WWII veteran inducted 21 April 1941.Joined the 102nd Cavalry and was with the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) from Africa through VE Day, SGT Bockino was honorably discharged 30 September 1945. Survived by his wife Catherine and sons. Member of the 117th Cavalry Association.

Hilda “Terry” Goldfaden, 83 Passed away 6 June 2008. Wife of the late Major Fred Goldfaden, a pilot with 5/117 CAV D-Air.

June 30, 2008

MALONEY - William B. Maloney Sr.

May 9, 2008

George J. Yohrling III

67, retired president, CEO, Curtiss-Wright Controls; executive vice president, Curtiss-Wright Corp., former mayor of Randolph

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- George J. Yohrling III of Charlotte, N.C., beloved and devoted husband of 44 years to Elaine (Gasparik) Yohrling, died at home on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.

He was born on Sept. 28, 1940, in Jersey City to George Yohrling and Edna Abel. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School in Wayne, in 1958. Upon graduation, he went to work for Bell Laboratories where he met and eventually married his one true love, Elaine Gasparik in April 1964. He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard from 1960 to 1965.

While working for Westinghouse in Dover, he attended college at night and received a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1969. He later received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1977.

Mr. Yohrling always had a passion for politics. In 1968, at the age of 28, he was elected to the Randolph Town Council. In doing so, he became the first registered Democrat, as well as the youngest elected official, in the 160-year history of the town. In 1973, he became the first Democratic mayor ever elected in Randolph. He was also very active in his hometown of Randolph. He served on the Randolph Planning Board, Drug Abuse Council, Youth Soccer Recreation Committee and also coached youth soccer, basketball and track. Despite his busy work, school and social service schedule, he never missed one of his son's athletic games or daughter's music recitals.

Just before graduation from Fairleigh Dickinson, he joined the Curtiss-Wright Corp. in Fairfield as an engineer in 1976. His job took him to Gastonia, N.C., in 1985, when he was promoted to general manager of Curtiss-Wright Flight Systems in Shelby, N.C. Mr. Yohrling would spend 30 years in total at Curtiss-Wright. He retired as executive vice president of the Curtiss-Wright Corp. and president and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Controls in March 2006. He proudly continued to serve as a consultant for the company he loved until his death.

His sense of community involvement did not falter when he relocated to North Carolina. He served on the board of directors for the Cleveland County United Way, the board of directors for the Gaston County Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the United Way Walk America Fund in Cleveland County. He had incredible passion and generosity for several other worthy charitable causes including: Habitat for Humanity, where he served as a family support mentor in Beaufort, S.C.; the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation in Charlotte, N.C.; Volunteers in Medicine in Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and Classroom Central in Charlotte, N.C. Over the course of his life, he realized just how fortunate he was and thought it was his moral obligation to give back to those less fortunate than he.

Professionally, Mr. Yohrling maintained his sense of involvement. He was named to the NJIT College of Engineering Board of Visitors and in 2002 he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of NJIT. He also served on the board of governors for the Aerospace Industries Association and on the board of directors of the National Defense Industrial Association.

There is no doubt that George Yohrling loved his communities, charities and Curtiss-Wright. However, what defined him as a man was his incredible and unyielding love of his family, most notably, his best friend and love of his life, Elaine. As his disease progressed, she never left his side. She comforted him to the very end with a smile, a touch or a kiss that redefined the meaning of unconditional love. Even in his final days, he still found ways to demonstrate his love for his wife and kids. His will to live and courage in the face of adversity was without equal.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Elaine Stansberry and her husband, Randy of Findlay, Ohio, Stephen Yohrling and his wife, Crista of Charlotte, N.C., and George Yohrling IV and his wife, Jennifer of Plymouth Meeting, Pa. He also leaves behind five wonderful and incredibly loved grandchildren, Joseph and Patrick Stansberry of Findlay, Ohio, Matthew Yohrling of Charlotte, N.C., and Katie and Natalie Yohrling of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., all of whom will miss their Grandpa terribly.

Mr. Yohrling also leaves behind his mother, Edna Abel of St. Louis; his sisters, Margaret Eisenhower of Myersville, Md., and Enda Burch of Columbia, Ill.; and brother, Richard Yohrling of Port St. Lucie, Fla. He was the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter and his "little guardian angel," Lauren Elaine Stansberry.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Funeral Home - Matthews/Weddington Chapel, at 3700 Forest Lawn Drive in Matthews, N.C., on Friday, May 9. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a service of celebration in his honor also at Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, May 10, at 1 p.m. Burial will take place immediately following the memorial service at the Forest Lawn East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in his memory to the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, N.C. 28233-3549.

The Yohrling family is in the care of Heritage Funeral Home -- Weddington Chapel.

May 13, 2008

PAUL W. KENWORTHY SR., 96, of HOWELL

PAUL W. KENWORTHY SR., 96, of HOWELL, died Sunday, May 11, at his residence. Mr. Kenworthy was born in Kearny and had lived in Oceanport and Colts Neck before moving to Howell 30 years ago. Mr. Kenworthy was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II in Central Europe as a staff sergeant for the 117th Calvary. He was a lifelong member of the Essex Troop of West Orange, as well as a member of the Monmouth County Steeple Chase Association. He also served on the Farmer Advisory Committee for Howell Township. Paul was an owner and trainer of thoroughbred horses, retiring 35 years ago.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Marie L. Kenworthy; a son and his companion, Paul W. Kenworthy Jr. and Maria Hinchcliff of Howell; two daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Stanley Baiga of Howell, and Beverly and Eugene Ketcham of Bluffton, S.C.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday until his funeral service at 8:30 p.m. at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Interment will be Thursday in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny, leaving from the funeral home at 10 a.m. At the request of the family, kindly omit flowers. For directions, information, or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

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