DOB/DOD: February 2, 1914 (Naples, Italy) – July 20, 1981 (Norwalk, CT); 67 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Anna Trombetta on June 21, 1938, in Norwalk, Connecticut.
CHILDREN: Two sons, Joseph Jr. (1946-2020) and Guy (1956-). One daughter, Carol (1954-).
LOCAL ADDRESS: 62 Woodward Avenue, South Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: October 26, 1943
SERVICE NUMBER: 31406774
DISCHARGE: November 10, 1945
Unit: Company L, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division [The Old Hickory Division]
FAMILY: Born to Michael P. Pappolla (1874-1914) and Caterina Maisano Pappolla (1890-1966). Two brothers, Carlo (1908-1953) and Thomas (1910-1990). Half sister, Carmella Fialla Ferraro (1923-2001).
OTHER: Immigrated from Italy on June 4, 1921, at 7 years old, on the SS Guglielmo Peirce.
DECORATIONS: Purple Heart Medal recipient with oak leaf cluster (two-time recipient). The second award of the medal was authorized under General Order #59, Headquarters 30th Infantry Division, dated March 11, 1945, for action in Germany on February 25, 1945. In addition, he received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with four service stars for Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns, and the Good Conduct Medal. Also received the Expert Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) and the Sharpshooter Rifle Badge.
From The Norwalk Hour September 7, 1944
Private Joseph Pappolla, now somewhere in France, writes that he is fine and in good health. Before he embarked for France, he was stationed at Fort Devens, at New London, Georgia, and then went overseas to England and is now in France. He is in the infantry and has been since October 1943. Before he entered the service, he was employed at Wee Burn Golf Club in Darien.
From The Norwalk Hour July 20, 1981
NORWALK — Joseph M. Pappolla Sr., 67, of Maxwell Road, died today in Norwalk Hospital. He was the husband of Anna Trombetta Pappolla.
Born in Italy, he had been a local resident for the past 60 years and was retired from the Nash Engineering Company. Mr. Pappolla was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of the VFW.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Pappolla is survived by two sons, Joseph Pappolla Jr., and Guy Pappolla; one daughter, Carol Pappolla; one brother, Thomas Pappolla; one sister, Carmella Ferraro, all of Norwalk; and two grandchildren.
Services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave, and in the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle for a mass of Christian burial at 9 o’clock. Interment will take place in St. John’s Cemetery.
Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Buried in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut; Section 5, Lot 427 West.
Photo pending
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