July 4, 1918 (Norwalk, CT) – June 21, 2006 (Norwalk, CT); 87 years old
Unmarried
Last local address: 122 Woodward Avenue, South Norwalk
Enlisted on September 8, 1941
Service number 31052104
Unit: Company K, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
Born to Frank (1892-1967) and Maria Golia Acunzo (1891-1986), both born in Italy. Six sisters, Carmella (1914-1986), Josephine Acunzo Tondino (1916-2006), Beatrice (1919-2010), Mary (1916-2006), Rose Acunzo CasaVechia (1921-2021) and Anna (1929-2009). One brother, John (1924-1996).
Wounded in action three times by artillery fragments in the arm, thumb, and thigh in June, July, and November 1944. Landed at Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
From The Norwalk Hour August 12, 1944
The Order of the Purple Heart has been awarded to Private First Class Louis F. Acunzo, according to word received from the War Department by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Acunzo of 31 Woodward Avenue. PFC Acunzo was wounded several weeks ago in the invasion of France. He has been in the infantry for nearly three years and has been overseas for several months. He is now in a hospital in England and reports he is getting excellent care. PFC Acunzo is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He sends his regards to his friends and hopes to see them soon. Anyone wishing to write to him may obtain his address from his parents.
Commander of American Legion Post 12 in Norwalk 1964-1965.
From The Norwalk Hour June 23, 2006
LOUIS F. ACUNZO, HIGHLY DECORATED WWII VETERAN
Louis F. Acunzo, age 87, a lifelong resident of Norwalk, died on June 21, 2006, at the Norwalk Hospital. Born on July 4, 1917, the eldest son of Frank and Mary (Volia) Acunzo, he was a highly decorated Army veteran of WWIl and a participant in the landing at Utah Beach. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and American Defense Medal. Lou was very active in various community and civic organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Past Post Commander of the American Legion, Frank C. Godfrey Post 12, named honorary Grand Marshal of the Norwalk Memorial Day Parade, and 1989 winner of the Italian-American Man-of-the-Year Award. After serving his country, he had worked for Vanderbilt Labs until 1958, then as Deputy Sheriff until 1958, and had been working until last month as Courthouse Special
Sheriff at the Norwalk Courthouse. Lou will be remembered by many for his kindness and willingness to pitch in and help his fellow man. He will be sadly missed by his
family, friends, and co-workers. Predeceased by his parents, sister Carmella and brother John, he is survived by 4 sisters, Josephine and Beatrice Acunzo, of Norwalk, Ann Santella and her husband Alex, of Southport, Rose Hliva, and her husband Joseph of Norwalk, as well as 4 nephews and their children; Gene Cassavechia and his wife Ann of
New Fairfield, Anthony Cassavechia and his wife Denise of Dallas, Donald Cassavechia of Norwalk, and Richard Santella and his wife Sally of Fairfield. His family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 27 from 4-8 PM in Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 28, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Norwalk. Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to: Mid-Fairfield Hospice, 180 School Rd., PO Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897.
Buried in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. Plot number unknown. Photo from FindAGrave.com.
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