I just received this minutes ago from Armonde's daughter, Maria. Oh my heart and soul breaks once more. Sometimes I feel that I cannot bear to hear of another WWII veteran leaving this earth.

She and I had been corresponding over the last few months, after her father needed more care and was moved from his home in PA. I still sent him notes and letters and she wrote every few weeks, telling me how much he appreciated hearing from yours truly.

As many of you know, he and I were extremely close friends, and if all went well, I was planning on visiting him when I went to PA this Oct. Alas, it was not meant to be. Oh I am feeling oh so sad right now.

 

Dear Marion,

With sadness I am writing to tell you that my Dad, Armonde J. Casagrande passed away yesterday, Sunday, May 15, 2016. God blessed him with 96 years. Your contact with him and the engineer project meant a great deal to him. He spoke of his Army days quite often, much more so after communicating with you. So thank you for the part you played in bringing his memories to the forefront.

Maria