PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THOMAS JOSEPH GARGIULO; U.S. ARMY

DOB/DOD: June 13, 1918 (Stratford, CT) – April 17, 2017 (Prior Lake, MN); 98 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Mary Rose Depanfilis (1915-1997) on January 15, 1944, in Norwalk, CT
CHILDREN: One daughter, Marianne Gargiulo Running (1965-). One son, Thomas (1951-).
LOCAL ADDRESS: 19 Hillside Place and 15 Thistle Road, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: May 6, 1944
SERVICE NUMBER: 31466657
UNIT: 223rd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division

FAMILY: Born to Gaetano (1884-1979) and Carmella DeLeo Gargiulo (1886-1960). Four brothers, Anthony C. (1910-2003), Angelo F. (1912-2006), Nicholas P. (1924-2005), and Carl (?-). Three sisters, Caroline E. Gargiulo DeLucia (1913-1990), Ann Gagiulo Charney (1915-2005), and Louise Gargiulo Sasone (1927-2002).

OTHER: His last name is also spelled “Garguilo” in some sources, such as military records.

CIRCUMSTANCES: Held in German POW camp Stalag 5A Malschbach Ludwigsburg Wurtemberg 49-09.



42ID, 223IR book. Note the logo in the bottom right. The 42nd Infantry Division was known as the “Rainbow Division.” Contributed by Tom Gargiulo, son of PFC Gargiulo.

From unknown newspaper. Provided by son, Tom Gargiulo.

PFC THOS. GARGUILO
PRISONER, LIBERATED

Mrs. Marie DePanfilis Garguilo of 21 Fairfield Avenue, who husband, Private First Class Thomas Garguilo was officially reported as a prisoner of war since January 18, 1945, has been liberated according to a letter she received from him yesterday. Private First Class Garguilo writes that he is in good health and hops to be home soon on furlough. He wen into the service on May 6, 1944 and has been overseas since November 1944. Private First Class Garguilo is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Garguilo Sr., of Bridgeport.


From The Norwalk Hour August 1, 1945

Lake Placid Club, New York – Private First Class Thomas J. Garguilo of 21 Fairfield Avenue, South Norwalk, Connecticut, who recently returned from overseas duty, has reported to the Army Ground and Service Forces Redistribution Station at Lake Placid Club, New York. Private First Class Garguilo entered the service on May 6, 1944 and was overseas six months with an infantry unit in the European theatre of operation. He is accompanied here by his wife.


Obituary from an unknown newspaper

Tom died at his daughter, Maryanne Running’s, Prior Lake, Minnesota home after listening to his beloved NY Yankees win their 8th straight game. Tom was the middle child of 11 siblings, all of whom predeceased him. He was decorated for distinguished service in WWII, surviving both the Battle of the Bulge and POW internment in Germany. Tom left school early to help support his family. His career began building Corsairs at Sikorsky Aircraft where he witnessed Igor Sikorsky’s test flight of the first helicopter prototypes. Post-war studies led to a career as a master mechanic and a love of woodworking at home. He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 73 years, daughter Maryanne Running and her husband Darcy, son Tom Gargiulo, and grandchildren, Christin Tackett and her husband Duane, Meghan and Drew Running.


Buried in St. John’s Cemetery, Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT; unknown plot number

Picture not available


END

Published by jeffd1121

USAF retiree. Veteran advocate. Committed to telling the stories of those who died while in the service of the country during wartime.

Leave a comment