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

Paul H. Seidel, 94, of Glen Elder, Kansas died Friday, April 30, 2010, at the Mitchell County Hospital Long Term Care Unit, Beloit. Seidel was a WWII veteran of the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz), joining the Squadron in Algeria, 1943, as a tank platoon leader, F Company. Lieutenant Seidel led his platoon in combat in Italy, France, Germany and Austria. At the end of the war, he was F Company (tanks) Commander. He was decorated with the Bronze Star – Valor, the Purple Heart and invasion Arrowheads. Captain Seidel was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, serving stateside. Seidel was raised on the family farm in Glen Elder, KS where he returned to after WWII. He was a happy and successful grain farmer and also raised cattle and horses. He was an ardent patriot, a member of the American Legion, Glen Elder Post 143. His wife Pauline Weins predeceased him in 1992. Survivors include his daughter, Janet Mayes and husband Nick, of Glen Elder; and three grandchildren, Blake, Braden and Blaise. Memorials may be made to the Paul Seidel Grandchildren Education Fund or to the charity of the donor's choice.

COL (Ret.) Harold J. Samsel, 99, of Port St. Lucie, Florida peacefully passed away on April 7, 2010, from injuries sustained from a fall at his home. He served during WWII with the 102nd Cavalry Group and the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) and last Squadron Commander of WWII. He was decorated with the Bronze Star and various other medals. Post WWII, he remained in the NJ Army National Guard and "stood up" the Squadron. He retired a Colonel of the 50th Armored Division HQ. He also had a business career having worked 54 years for the Home Insurance Company, retiring as executive VP. He was preceded in death by Lucille, his wife of 54 years. He leaves behind a daughter and son - Susan Haven and Donald. He also had four Grand-daughters, and a Great Grand-daughter. In memoriam, make donations to the 117th Cavalry Association (noted for the Heritage Room) c/o Don Tracy, 11 Girard Ave., Chatham, NJ 07928.

Reflections – by COL (Ret.) Kenneth Klein, past CO, 5-117th CAV "When I was Squadron Commander in 1979 I wanted to form an Association dedicated to those who had served at Westfield. At this time I found out about the WWII history of the 117th CAV and the man who wrote it, Harold Samsel. I invited Harold in to talk on a couple of occasions and we agreed how to go about forming the Assoc. The first meeting was based on the list from Bill Maloney‟s retirement party plus all the current Squadron members. With more meetings and word of mouth got out to everyone about the new 117th Assoc. Harold was chosen as our first president. At that year‟s Christmas dinner a Squadron formation was held for the presentation of the French award by COL Pons from their embassy to the 117th for its wartime achievements. The next Fall we held the first reunion at Ft Monmouth. It was by far the best attended reunion with approximately 300 in attendance. Unfortunately, Harold didn't make it as he was sick. It just about broke his heart. He did make the next one, still as president, and had the time of his life with his old comrades"

Reflections – by LTC (Ret.) Kenneth L. Quaas, Editor Emeritus, THE SPUR "It was always a pleasure to be in his company. During my 27 years as Editor of THE SPUR, I had many exchanges with Harold and enjoyed working with him. THE SPUR was his baby. He knew how important it was as a communication medium. Harold Samsel was an outstanding military leader. He had a lot of savvy, and courage. As it was said of Abraham Lincoln on his passing, Harold "now belongs to the ages."

Reflections – by Phil Notestine, Editor, The SPUR "I met Colonel Harold J. Samsel soon after I joined the 117th Cavalry Association in 1981. It was during the Association meetings that I came to learn about the WWII exploits of the 38th, 102nd and 117th Cavalry Squadrons. I bought Colonel Samsel‟s "brown book", primarily about the WWII operations of the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) at a meeting, and when I got home, stayed up reading it from cover to cover! I was astounded by the evolution of a NJ National Guard horse cavalry regiment into heroic combat mechanized cavalry units. Some of the WWII combat veterans were men who were my senior NCOs and officers during my years in the Westfield and West Orange Armories. We post- war troopers knew little about their WWII exploits. Our Association meetings brought us all together. Years later, when Ken Quaas wanted to retire, after over 27 years as editor of The SPUR, I thought about taking it on - for months! Finally, I would do it, but would focus on retelling the WWII stories of our great men. I would call Harold many times, asking about individual troopers and events. He was always happy to help, and we come to know each other a bit more during each call. He always had some recollection of each trooper that I would ask about, even a junior enlisted man who was KIA in Italy. He knew the nomenclature of the fighting vehicles, and liked to talk about such things. When the Association presented the first of our new Association ring to him, he was greatly affected and wore the ring at all times. My last call to Harold was just before I sent the Spring 2010 issue to the printer. I wanted to get his approval of the article about his receiving the French Legion of Honor, and the use of his picture as a young lieutenant in 1942. He loved it all, and for a moment, he was that young officer once again, who was to become the last wartime commander of the renowned 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)."

CW5 (Ret.) Richard J. Monus, Jr., 61, of Forked River NJ died Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Mr. Monus was a senior automotive maintenance technician for 21 years with the Army National Guard 42 DISCOM, Somerset, retiring in March of 2007. He was with the 5-117th Cavalry Maintenance Section 1977 – 1983 at the Westfield Armory. During the years 2004-2005, he served overseas during Operation Iraq Freedom. Prior, he served our country as a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War on the USS America. Surviving are his wife of 20 years, Karen D. Monus; his son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Sara Monus of Washington, NJ; his daughter, Tracy Nemcick of Edison; his parents, Dick and Vera Monus of Edison; his mother-in-law, Ruth DeLuca of Parsippany; three brothers, Joe Monus of Union, Craig Monus of PA, and John Monus of Milltown; and five grandchildren, Zackary, Megan, Patrick, Conner and Lila Grace. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Colman's Convent, Watervliet, N.Y., would be appreciated.

Clayton Thomas Skoda, 91, of Rushville, Nebraska died on March 27, 2010 at Gordon, NE. Born on the family farm near Rushville, Nebraska to Fred and Katie (Stava) Skoda on May 18, 1918. Clayton graduated high school in 1936 and worked the farm until joining the US Army in February 1942. After basic training in Fort Jackson SC, he was assigned to the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, Second Squadron. The regiment was sent to England and later the 2nd Squadron was sent to North Africa, soon to become a separate squadron, the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz). Skoda was a scout in B Troop, fighting in Italy, and received several promotions to Section Sergeant, after Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France in August 15, 1944. The Squadron, part of Task Force Butler, played a leading role in chasing the German 11th Panzer (Ghost) Division for hundreds of miles north towards Germany. During a daring raid deep behind German lines, taking the town of Montrevel, Skoda‟s Troop was surrounded, and after a 12 hour battle, out of ammo and with many casualties, the commander capitulated, saving the remaining troopers. Skoda and his comrades were taken POW and sent to Germany (See his diary, beginning in this issue of The SPUR). He was repatriated in early 1945 and returned home to his beloved Rushville, NE in July 1945. Skoda took up farming and raising cattle. He married Alvina (Brenner) in 1951. They, along with Alvina's sons, Bill and Bob, moved to the original Skoda homestead where Clayton and Alvina resided for nearly 50 years until her death in September of 2000. Skoda was a faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rushville and a permanent member of the American Legion Post 161, for over 60 years. He was past commander and a member of the firing squad. His patriotism ran deep. He was touched and proud to be among the WWII veterans honored in a special ceremony at Mount Rushmore, SD in 2004. Those who mourn his passing include many lifelong friends and family who enjoyed spending many holidays and especially Memorial Day with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, wife Alvina, and stepsons, Bill and Bob. His immediate survivors include nephews and nieces Doug Milburn, Leonard "Wad" Milburn, and Ardis Guelde of Rushville, Tom Duzak of Pennsylvania, Allen, Jim, and Sandra Duzak of California, and grandchildren, Peggy Steinberg, Billy Albee, Jesse Way, Shawn Way and Jennifer Brewer of Montana.

Ed Leonard reflects on Clayton Skoda "It's not easy to write a piece about Clayton Skoda. He held himself close. My first impression, after he was assigned to my platoon, was "He‟s a man among these boys". He was dead serious about being a good soldier – beating the maniac Hitler – and going home to Nebraska. We both agreed that we might die for our country but we planned instead to win and go home. When I wanted someone to cover my back, I chose Skoda. If it got rough, he would still be there. He was my close companion when we were starving as POWs. Skoda never flinched or complained. We both made it home OK. He went the Russian way east; I went west to the American lines. Clayton Skoda – a good soldier – a good friend…Farewell!"

Thomas J. Robinson, 90, of Tinton Falls, NJ passed away on December 10, 2008 at home with his family, after battling cancer for 20 years. He was born in Rahway, NJ. A NJ Bell Telephone man, he joined the 102nd Cavalry Regiment. While at Fort Jackson, SC he was recruited into the USAAF and commissioned a Signal Corps officer at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. He was assigned to a US Army Air Force base in NC to train P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilots, and later served in the Philippines and Okinawa, ending the war as Captain in 1946. CPT Robinson was recalled during the Korean War, 1951-52. He worked with Morgan Guaranty Trust and retired from NJ Bell Telephone Company as an outside plant engineer. He was a trustee of the Fort Monmouth AUSA Chapter, Fort Monmouth Officer‟s Club, the Essex Troop Association, American Legion, Telephone Pioneers, Monmouth Boat Club and past commodore of the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club. He was predeceased by his parents and a loving son Richard Jon Robinson. He is survived by his wife Betty, married 68 years. Also his son Thomas J. Robinson, Jr., daughter-in-law Michelle Robinson; three grandchildren - Lisa Natale, Lindsay, and Kerry; and two great grand children Terez and Nico Natale. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 801 Broad St. Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.

Francis "Frank" E. Fowler, 89, passed away January 17, 2010 in Prescott, AZ after a 4 year battle with cancer. He was born June 14, 1920, on Flag Day, in East Orange, New Jersey to Edgar and Mable G. Fowler. Frank attended high school in East Orange, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University and several specialty trade schools. Frank began his military service with Essex Troop, 102nd Cavalry Regiment, Troop A of the NJARNG, called up in January 1941 to Federal Service, a Class of „41 member. He also married Florence "Florry" Dietz in 1941. He served during WWII in Africa, Italy, France and Germany with the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz). He was honorably discharged on July 5, 1945. Following his military service, Frank worked for the NJ Bell system. After Frank's first wife passed away he met and married Isabelle Fowler in 1959. When he came to Prescott from New Jersey in 1962, he owned two businesses, incl. the Copper Basin Supply. He also was a Deputy Sheriff for Yavapai County and Douglas County, Oregon. Frank retired in 1982. Frank was involved in his community as a Boy Scout Leader for 34 years and participated in a World Jamboree. He was also a Sunday school teacher and a church deacon. He was a member and officer in the Prescott Kiwanis Club. He attended Prescott Community Church, where he sang in their choir. Frank had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed camping, hiking, woodworking, model trains, and along with his wife Isabelle, built 2 houses in Prescott. Francis Fowler is survived by his son Charles Fowler of New Jersey, adopted daughter Patricia Fowler of New Jersey, step-daughters Florence Brady of California, JoAnn Hardy of Maine, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Florence Dietz in 1959 and Isabelle Fowler who preceded him in death in 2005.

Joan Van Arsdale died on December 28, 2009. She was born in Bound Brook and lived in New Brunswick for many years. She was a graduate of Drake Business School. Mrs. Van Arsdale was active in helping others by her involvement with both the Damien-Dutton Society For Leprosy Aid and volunteering at Saint Peter University Hospital for many years. She also was a member of the Altar Rosary Society for over 17 years at Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick. She was a communicant of Saint Mary of Mount Virgin RC Church in New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry, in 1998. MAJ Van Arsdale was a line and staff officer of the 5-117th Cavalry, NJARNG. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Ella and Katherine and her brothers, John and Philip. Mrs. Van Arsdale is survived by a brother, Peter Spies; and many nieces and nephews.

George T. King Died on 14 November 2009 Parsippany NJ. He was a Class of ’41 member and WWII veteran of the 102nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz), participating in the Normandy Invasion D+2. He was a medical technician and was decorated with the Silver Star and Bronze Arrowhead. King was a member of VFW Post 10091, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Born in Newark; he lived in Boonton, NJ, Florida and Mount Olive, NJ. He was Executive Housekeeper of Passaic General Hospital for 20 years, retiring in 1982. King was past president of the NJ and National Association of Executive Housekeepers. He is survived by his wife of 32 years Faye (Glowsky) King of California; 3 sons, Peter R. (Yvonne) of Dover NJ, Terrence M. (Martha Anne) of Hallieford VA and Dennis G. of Myrtle Beach SC; a daughter Lauren R. Sturtevant of Ferndale WA; 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.

Dr. William T. Haley, Jr. Passed away on 19 September 2009 in Salem, MA. Dr. Haley was a WWII veteran of the 102nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) serving as a Captain and Surgeon. He joined the Squadron in England and participated in the Invasion at Normandy, D+2. CPT Haley was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross for Gallantry and Courage on the battlefield on the outskirts of Paris, 25 August 1944. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. Dr. Haley was decorated with the French Legion of Honor on 20 May 2009 during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. During the war, towards the end of battle, he was part of the liberating force that freed the prisoners at the concentration camp of Buchenwald, an experience that, like so many other American soldiers, was to influence his thinking, actions and teaching for the rest of his life. After his discharge in late 1945, he continued his medical career as a general practitioner at the former Mary Alley Hospital in Marblehead and Salem Hospital until his retirement in 1984. He was a member and leader in several medical societies and the AMA. Dr. Haley was deeply involved in Marblehead, the Board of Health, Marblehead Power Squadron, and Marblehead Yacht Club. He was a communicant of the Star of the Sea Church, CCD volunteer and board member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Dr. Haley loved France and her language, travelling there into his „90‟s. His love for travel began in 1939, when he bicycled throughout Europe. He was a graduate of the Country Day School for Boys of Boston, Harvard College and Tufts University School of Medicine in 1941 and interned at Newton Wellesley Hospital until joining the US Army. He was married to the late Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Haley for 59 years. Dr. Haley is survived by his sister Elizabeth Litton of Hilton Head SC; his sister-in-law Lois L. Haley of Marblehead; his 2 children Eileen Haley Mathieu (Owen) of Marblehead and Peter Haley (Sarah) of Newton and 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Also many nieces and nephews. His brothers Paul and John Haley predeceased him.

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.

MALONEY - William B. Maloney Sr., passed away peacefully at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway on June 28, 2008, surrounded by his family. Friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dooley Funeral Home, 218 W. North Ave., Cranford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Thursday at St. James Church in Springfield. Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. Bill was employed by the New Jersey National Guard for 40 years. He received many commendations throughout his Armed Forces service, including the Bronze Star for his courage in World War II. He also participated in D-Day. Mr. Maloney was a past president of the 117th Cavalry Association and a member of the 102nd Essex Troop Association, the VFW Post 7363 of Clark and Post 164 of Hackettstown; he was a life member of American Legion Post 328 of Clark and a member of the NRA and the Knights of Columbus in Springfield. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Janet Fleck Maloney, in 1989, and by a son, Timothy, in 2005. He was blessed to have found love a second time and spent almost 20 years with Jane Planer, who predeceased him in February of 2008. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Marion Kenny and John Jack Maloney. Bill leaves behind many friends and relatives, including his sons, William Barry Maloney Jr. and his wife, Barbara, Bruce Maloney and his wife, Betty, and Kevin Maloney and his wife, Gale. He was a loving grandfather to Kelley Maloney-Najjar, Brian, Megan Maloney-Flynn, Shannon, Bruce Jr. and Devan; and greatgrandfather to Lorenz Najjar. He leaves behind a sister, Jane Belzer, in California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the 117th Cavalry Association or to Wounded Warriors.
Published in the Star-Ledger on 6/30/2008.

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.

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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