HOME FAMILY YESTERDAY SOLVAY STARSTRUCK MIXED BAG
 
Most of the information below was gleaned from War Department announcements that appeared in the Syracuse Herald-Journal. Some of the servicemen and women listed on these pages did not live in Solvay or the town of Geddes, but in neighborhoods associated more with the village than with the city of Syracuse where their homes were located. I've corrected what I believe were spelling errors, particularly in regard to names. However, I'm sure errors remain. To correct them or to add people I inadvertently overlooked, contact me at the email address at the bottom of the page. — JACK MAJOR
 
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Syracuse Herald-Journal, November 29, 1943
Ensign
George Cole MacEwan, 27, formerly of Solvay and Lafayette, a direct descendant of Ensign Joseph B. Cole, a hero of the War of 1812, is following in the footsteps of his illustrious ancester.

Seven years ago Ensign MacEwan unveiled an official bronze marker placed on the grave of his ancestor in the village cemetery at Lafayette by Onondaga Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812.

Ensign Cole was a member of the company organized from the Columbia Society at Lafayette and saw service at Oswego and Sackets Harbor in the War of 1812. The flag he carried was presented in 1936 to the National Society.

Today, 131 years later, his descendant holds the same rank in the American Navy. He left here this month for duty on the West Coast.

Ensign MacEwan, son of Mrs. Theresa C. MacEwan of 210 East Cheltenham Road, is a graduate of Solvay High School and of General Motors College, Flint, Michigan. He worked here for Brown-Lipe-Chapin and General Electric.

He entered the officers training school at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, last June and was graduated and commissioned in August. Previous to going to the West Coast, he was stationed at the U. S. Naval Air Station on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

George Cole MacEwan moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1959, when he became plant engineer for Avco-Lycoming (now Textron). He and his wife, the former Ruth Ann Barry, later retired to Clearwater, Florida, where she died in December, 2012. She was survived by her husband and two daughters, Barbara MacEwan Turner of Williamsport and Judy L. Steltz of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
 
I have found five men named Maestri who were in the service during World War 2, but suspect there may be more. In any event, this is another case where I need help from family members to establish the relationship, if any, between the following:

Pvt. Edward S. Maestri, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Maestri, 201 Freeman Avenue, Solvay, is stationed at the Pueblo Air Base, Colorado. (3/17/43)

Pfc. Edward S. Maestri of Solvay, has been wounded in action in the European Theater of Operations. (5/16/45)

Edward S. Maestri, according to the 1940 U. S. census, was born in 1915. The Social Security Death index lists an Edward S. Maestri, who was born December 23, 1915, as dying in February, 1983. He had a brother, listed in the census as Joseph Maestri, who, I believe, was better known as Jack J. Maestri, who was active in school affairs, and who also died in 1983.
Pvt. John Maestri of 203 Freeman Avenue, Solvay, is in military police service at Camp Niantic, Conn. He is expected home on furlough shortly. (2/23/43)

The 1940 U. S. census, the most recent that is available, free of charge, to internet users, lists two men named John Maestri as residents of Solvay. I believe the John Maestri (above) is a son of Celesti and Mary Maestri and was born in 1924. If so, then he is the same John Maestri who is CEO of Solvay Iron Works. He and his younger brother, Bert, also a company executive, organized a drive in 2010 to collect 40,000 pounds of food, clothing, food and other supplies to help residents of Haiti after a devastating earthquake.

Giovanni (John) Maestri Jr. (below) may have been born in 1915. If so, he may be the John Maestri of Solvay who was the fatal victim of a tragic hunting accident in Perryvlle, New York, in 1952.

Pfc. Giovanni (John) Maestri Jr., of 117 Summit Avenue, Solvay, is being held a prisoner of war by the Germans. A commando, the soldier was originally listed as missing following D-Day operations. Maestri is a native of Austria and was prominent in Solvay athletics. Before entering the service in March, 1942, he was employed by his cousin, Severino Maestri, restaurant proprietor. (9/2/44)
 
Leon J. Maestri, 86, of Fairmount, died in 1999. A native of Tyrol, Austria, he worked at Crucible Specialty Metals for 40 years and was a member of the Solvay Tyrol club. He was an Army veteran of World War 2 and held the rank of sergeant major. He was survived by his wife, the former Anna Capella.
 
Martin P. Maestri, 84, of 227 William Street Solvay, died in 2001. He was a Solvay native who worked for the Geddes Highway Department. He was a veteran of World War 2. He was survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Helen Crough; two sons, John of Fairmount and Ronald of Solvay, and three brothers, Angelo, Joseph and Albino Cavedine.
 

Mrs. Fronia Mahar, 930 State Fair Boulevard, has received official notification from the War Department that her son, Pvt. William Mahar, was wounded slightly November 29 in Germany.

Pvt. Mahar enlisted in the Coast Artillery January 3, 1941, and was sent to Fort Slocum. Following 27 months in Puerto Rico, he was stationed at Camp Stewart, Georgia; Camp Pickett, Virginia, and Fort Meade, Maryland. he was sent overseas in October.

He attended Solvay High School. A brother, Thomas E. Mahar, is stationed at Camp Hood, Texas. (12/16/45)

 
An Eighth Air Force Combat Station, England — Sgt. Santo V. Maira, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Maira of 203 Cogswell Avenue, Solvay, has been decorated with the Air Medal. The citation accompanying the award read: “For meritorious achievement while participating, as a tail gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress in sustained bomber combat operations over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe.” (2/27/45)

Santo V. "Sandy" Maira,, a 1942 Solvay High School graduate moved to Pennsylvania where he owned an operated service stations. He died in 2003 at the age of 77.

 

Second Lt. James D. Male, 22, an aerial navigator, was killed on his first flight March 29, 1945, when his plane went down in the Rangoon area of Burma. Lieutenant Male was a graduate of Solvay High School, and had completed three years of chemical engineering at the College of Applied Science, Syracuse University.

His brother, S/Sgt. William L. Male, received his discharge Oct. 27, 1945, after three years in the European theater.

 
Sgt. Philip Malinowski, Solvay, was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey. (9/29/45)
Philip Malinowski retired to Florida after working for the Crucible Steel company and te Solvay School System. He died in 1982 at the age of 76.
 
T/4 Edward Malysz, 322 Belle Isle Road, Solvay, is being processed at Camp Atlanta as a member of the First European Theater Armored Division to be ordered to the Pacific. he is en route to the United States and is with the 13th Armored Division. (7/26/45)
 
Jack Manzano, 413 Center Street, Solvay, was told to report January 31. 1941. (1/29/41)
Jack A. Manzano served with the Army in the Pacific Theater of Operations for more than four years with Company D of the 108th Infantry. After the war he worked at Crucible Steel for 32 years. He was a member of the Geddes Veterans, the Disabled American Veterans and the VFW Post 2893. He moved to Lakeland where he lived for many years. He died in 2008 at the age of 88.
 

Pfc. Antonio A. Marcello, nephew of Americo Respeita, 106 Gertrude Street, Solvay, was wounded in Italy, it was reported today by the War Department. (9/8/44)

Pfc. Antonio A. Marcello, 106 Gertrude Avenue, Solvay, who is stationed with the 350 Infantry Regiment of the 88th (Blue Devil) Division of the Fifth Army in Italy, was recently awarded the Medical Badge. (8/7/45)

 
Corp. Joseph Marchione and Pfc. James Marchione are brothers of Mrs. Joseph Razzano, 134 Armstrong Road, Solvay. Joseph is on an assignment in Massachusetts and James on a detail in Georgia. James recently visited his sister while on a furlough. (8/3/43)
Joseph C. Marchione moved to Florida in 1982 after retiring from Crucible Specialty Metals. He died in 1996 at the age of 75.
 
S/Sgt. John Markow, Solvay, was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey. (9/26/45)
John Markow, 85, of Belle Isle Road, Solvay, died in 2001. He retired in 1979 after many years as a steelworker for Crucible Steel. He served in the Army with the 2nd Armored Division in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.
 

Three brothers serving in the Army are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Marotta, 225 Lamont Avenue, Solvay.

Corp. Joseph S. Marotta Jr., who enjoyed a 10-day furlough with his wife and son of 127 Nelson Street, is a repairman in the Radio Signal Corps at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. AC Cadet Michael Marotta advanced from pre-flight school at Mustange Field, Oklahoma, to Strother Army Air Field, Kansas. Pvt. Philip Marotta is in the Radio Signal Corps at Camp Forrest, Tennessee.

Joseph was a J. G. White Engineering Corporation employe; Michael worked at Pass & Seymour, and Philip was employed at Syracuse Army Air base. (7/11/43)

AC Michael Marotta, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Marotta, 225 Lamont Avenue, Solvay, was graduated from Army basic flying school at Strother Army Air Field, Kansas, to the advanced and final stage of training. (9/11/43)
Pfc. Michael Marotta, 225 Lamont Avenue, Solvay, has completed the flexible aerial gunnery course at the Army Air Field, Laredo, Texas, and received his wings as a gunner. (11/19/43)

Joseph S. Marotta died in 1992 at age 78, a resident of 404 Center Street Solvay. He was a native of Sicily. He retired in 1976 as owner of Marotta Radio and TV in Solvay.

Philip S. "Foots" Marotta died in 2004 at the age of 80. He served in the 87th Infantry and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was employed by the U. S. Post Office for several years and also worked for Excelsior Insurance and Barnes Monuments in Baldwinsville, where he had taken up residence.

 
Pfc. Douglas E. Marr, husband of Mrs. Dorothy Marr, 211 Montrose Avenue, completed training and was graduated from the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command at Chanute Field, Illinois. (9/22/44)
 

Lt. Edgar B. Martin Jr., graduate of Solvay High School and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar B. Martin Sr., 133 Furman Street, Syracuse, was killed Thursday night when a Liberator bomber crashed six miles west of Boise, Idaho. Seven other crewmen perished in the crash, while three parachuted to safety, according to Col. John R. Kane, commandant at Gowen Field.

Lt. Martin attended Syracuse University prior to his enlistment in the Army Air Corps two years ago. He was commissioned last April and following his graduation was married to Miss Anna Rita Lynn of Solvay, in St. Cecilia’s Church. His wife resided with him in Boise.

Surviving also are two brothers Pvt. Joseph E. Martin of Coral Gables, Florida, and Charles Martin, and three sisters the Misses Marion, Marjorie and Norma Martin. (7/1/44)

 
John W. Martin of 200 Alice Avenue, Solvay was inducted into the Navy yesterday and has reported for training at Sampson. (2/6/44)
 

Pfc. Manuel Martinez, an infantryman, was wounded February 22 at Luxembourg. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Martinez of 2029 Milton Avenue, Solvay.

The Solvay soldier entered the service March 9, 1943, after enlisting in the Syracuse University Reserve Corps. Following basic training in Florida, he was selected for ASTP training. He was attending the University of Wisconsin when the program was discontinued. A subsequent transfer to Camp McCoy, South Carolina followed.

Pfc. Martinez went overseas with the 304th Infantry in November, 1944. He recently was awarded the Purple Heart in a hospital in England. (4/27/45)

Manuel Martinez, who also was a Bronze Star recipient, went on to have two successful careers, first at West Genesee Central School as a coach, physical education teacher and administrator, and then in politics. He was a Solvay village trustee for eight years, a member of the town of Geddes council for five years and town supervisor for 20 years. For reasons I never understood, he was well-known many years ago by the nickname "Farmer." That gave way to "Manny."
 
Richard Martinez, corporal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alberto Martinez, 502 Second Street, has returned to duty with the Army Air Force at Fresno, California, after a furlough at home. (12/1/42)
 
Albert "Teko" Martinez Sr., a native of Solvay, served with the 11th Airborne Paratroopers during World War 2. He retired from Crucible Steel and died in 1989 at the age of 66. He had a brother, Angelo Martinez, who also served in the Army during the war.
 
Sgt. Leonard J. Mascette, 333 First Street, Solvay, took charge of a battalion after the commanding officer was killed, near LaPerrerie, France, and reorganized the unit until support came. (8/28/44)
Sgt. Mascette would later be killed in action. He had three brothers in service.
Pvt. Paul P. Mascette, 333 First Street, Solvay, was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey. (6/20/45)

Paul P. Mascette, who remained at the First Street address, became a well-known horse trader and also was employed by the village of Solvay. He died in 1988 at the age of 72.

Second Lieut. Vincent J. Mascette, Engineer Corps, husband of Mrs. Helen M. Mascette, 333 First Street, Solvay, has arrived for duty at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Lieut. Mascette is a recent graduate of the Engineer Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (7/25/45)
Nicknamed "Zinzi," Vincent Mascette retired as superintendent of buildings and grounds after 36 years with the New York State Fair. He played professional hockey for the Clinton Comets and was a referee in the American Hockey League and the Eastern College Athletic Conference. he died in 2000 at the age of 86.
Michael Mascette, youngest of the four Mascette brothers, also served in the Army. After the war he was a pipefitter at Allied Chemical before retiring in 1983. He died in 2012 at the age of 92.
 

Edward M. Maschke, 68, of North Orchard Road, Solvay, died in July, 1991. He worked at Allied-Signal Inc. for 37 years before retiring in 1984. He was a Navy veteran of World War 2, serving in the South Pacific.

 

Frank J. Matrone, then living at 301 First Street, Solvay, entered the Army in April, 1944. He retired in 1980 after 31 years with Centro and previously owned Frank's Snack Bar and co-owned the Tip-A-Few bar on James Street. He died in 2001 at the age of 84.

 
Robert J. May, 87, of Solvay died in 2011 at the age of 87. He was an Army combat veteran of World War 2, serving in Europe with the 4th Armored Division in General Patton's 3rd Army. He was employed by New York Telephone in Syracuse for 36 years, retiring in 1982 as an office supervisor.
 
Ronald N. McCadden of 213 Caroline Avenue, Solvay, was one of 19 boys who yesterday were sworn into the Army Air Forces Enlisted Reserve. All the enlistees are 17 years of age and will not be called to active duty until they have reached the age of 18. This is part of a new program for young men interestd in becoming part of a flight crew as a gunner, bombardier, pilot or navigator. While on inactive status they will attend college-level classes. (6/29/44)
 

Pvt. Morris M. McGraw and James McGraw, RM 3/c, are sons of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. McGraw of 146 Benham Avenue, serving with the armed forces.

Pvt. McGraw has been transferred to the Air Corps and is attending the University of Florida at Gainesville, Florida, after completing his basic training at Camp Davis, North Carolina.

RM 3/c McGraw was promoted to petty officer third class after completing a course in radio at Bedford Springs Radio School. He is now stationed at Monterey, California. (3/17/44)

Morris "Mike" McGraw would make the ultimate sacrifice.
 
Corp. John P. McMahon, his wife and their son, John, enjoyed 15 days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James McMahon, 215 Charles Avenue, Solvay. He is stationed at Camp Campbell, Kentucky. His wife, the former Mary Elizabeth Yonkin, and son are residing with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Yonkin in Dushore, Pennsylvania. (9/19/44)
 

John R. McMahon of 2103 Milton Avenue, Solvay, paid a personal visit to (Syracuse) Mayor Thomas E. Kennedy yesterday. He was dressed in a Navy uniform.

A year and a half ago when McMahon visited the mayor he was dressed in Army garb.

He entered the Army under the volunteer officer program and stayed six months in the military police after that program was curtailed.

About three months after his discharge, McMahon got restless and volunteered for the Navy. For a year, McMahon, a specialist third class, has been in the Navy cartography department in Washington, D.C. He was formerly employed by the Central New York Power Corporation. (4/26/45)

 

Staff Sgt. Edward W. Meckowski of 1205 Avery Avenue, Syracuse, has been promoted to technical sergeant at Camp Polk, Louisiana. (2/10/43)

T/Sgt. Edward Meckowski was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey. (12/11/45)

He had a brother, Henry B. Meckowski, who served with the medical corps in Italy.
 

Second Lieut. Peter J. Medyn of 320 Belle Isle Road, Solvay, was commissioned after completing the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was formerly employed by the Pass and Seymour Company/ (6/7/43)

First Lieut. Peter J. Medyn was discharged in December, 1945, from Fort Dix, New Jersey.

 
Harold A. Merrill, 116 Alice Avenue, Solvay, has enlisted in the Navy and was sworn into the service at Buffalo yesterday. He returned home to await orders to report for training. (5/10/44)
Harold A. Merrill died in 1982.
 
Pvt. John Merrill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Merrill, 107 Freeman Avenue, Solvay, has returned to Camp Sutton, North Carolina, where he is serving in the engineers. (3/19/44)
 
Air Cadet Melvin C. Merrill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin C. Merrill, 210 Lathrop Road, has been graduated from primary flying school of the Army at Oxnard, California, and will proceed to Marana, Arizona, for further training. He received a gold star of merit for completing training at Oxnard without accident. (8/12/43)

Second Lieut. Melvin C. Merrill, a bombardier in a heavy bomber crew, and son of Mrs. Melvin C. Merrill, 210 Lathrop Road, is completing combat crew training at the Army Air Base, Sioux City, Iowa. (7/16/44)
Melvin C. Merrill retired in 1977 from the Onondaga County Probation Department. He died in 1997 at the age of 76.
 
First Sgt. Angelo Messere, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Messere, 103 Sixth Street, Solvay, was promoted to his present rank overseas on the Atlantic side. He is in the Air Force. (3/11/44)
Angelo Messere lived in West Monroe, New York, for 37 years and was owner and operator of Jack's Body Shop. He died in 1990 at the age of 70.
Domenic J. Messere, 88, of 108 Smith Street, Solvay, died in 2002 at the age of 88. He graduated from Solvay High School and Fort Belvoir (Virginia) Engineering School. He retired from Allied Chemical in 1977. An Army veteran of World War 2, he retired as a captain after 17 years with the National Guard. Survivors included his wife, the former Santa DiBello; a daughter, Mary Messere of Eaton and a son, Frank J. Messere of Oswego.
 
Pfc. Frank Messere was killed in action in France on February 25, 1945. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Messere of 103 Sixth Street, he attended Solvay schools and entered service in January, 1942. He had three brothers in the service: Domenic, Angelo and John Messere.
 
Staff Sgt. John N. Messere, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Messere, 103 Sixth Street, Solvay, was promoted to his present rank in the Antilles Air Task Force, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was advanced from the rank of sergeant. (5/2/43)
 
T/5 Joseph A. Messere of 101 Seventh Street, Solvay, a veteran of seven months in the European Theater of Operations, has reported to Camp Aries, France, the redeployment camp headquarters for the Pacific Theater of Operations. (8/14/45)
Joseph A. Messere moved to Onondaga Hill. He retired in 1976 from Crucible Specialty Metals and died in 2001 at the age of 87. Survivors included his wife, the former Louise Ransom, and two sons, Joseph of Chittenango and Edward of Syracuse.
 
Third Class Petty Officer Joseph T. Micheletti, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Micheletti, 1219 Avery Avenue, Syracuse, is stationed at Lida Beach, Long Island. He has been in service since last February. He completed basic training at Dampson and graduated from bakers and cooks school at Portsmouth, Virginia. (9/4/43)
 
Seaman First Class Paul Joe Micklo, 17, of 304 Center Street, Solvay, has completed basic training at the Submarine School at New London, Conn. He graduated from Solvay High School and won letters in football and track. Micklo joined the Navy on Feb. 15, 1940, and had his basic training at Newport, Rhode Island. (1/6/43)

Paul J. Micklo was a mason until he retired in 1979. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and volunteered at the Veterans Medical Center in Syracuse. He served as a submariner with the Pacific fleet on the USS Grouper. He died in 2004 at the age of 79.

A list of Navy inductees in 1944 included Michael O. Micklo, 412 Center Street, Solvay. What the relationship was between Paul and this particular Michael Micklo was I can't be certain, but the 1940 U. S. Census lists two such names as father and son. In that case, Michael O. Micklo would have been 37 or 38 years old when he entered service. Michael O. Micklo died in 1979.

 
Joseph Miguel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miguel, 100 Stanton Avenue, Solvay, is an apprentice seaman in the Coast Guard, stationed in Buffalo. (8/21/42)
 

Given a rating of technical sergeant in the Ordnance Department of the Army, Joe Miguel of Solvay, one of the leading amateur hockey players in the United States, will leave for active duty tomorrow. He will report at Fort Niagara and then be shipped to Santa Ana, California.

Miguel played with the Clinton team which reached the finals of the National AAU tournament, losing to the St. Nicholas team of New York in the championship game. During one game this season, Miguel scored five goals against the Clarkson Tech team.

Before entering the national amateur competition, Joe was a former leading scorer of the Onondaga County High School League, while playing for the champion Solvay sextet. Prior to obtaining the rank of technical sergeant in the Army, he was a machinist at the Solvay Process Company. (3/30/43)

Joseph G. "Pepe" Miguel retired to Florida in the 1970s. He died in 2008 in Land O'Lakes at the age of 93. Son of Bruno and Emma Miguel, he may have been a cousin of the Joseph Miguel above.
 

Aviation Cadet Anthony W. Milano, 23, son of Mrs. Grace Milano of Camillus, was killed in the crash of an airplane at Minter Field, Bakersfield, California. Mrs. Milano was notified of the death of her son yesterday.

AC Milano has two brothers in the service, Pfc. Joseph Milano of Homestead, Florida, and S 1c Vito Milano overseas. (12/18/44)

Vito P. Milano, a graduate of Solvay High School served in the Navy as a Torpedoman's Mate 2nd Class. After the war he was a self-employed carpenter for 55 years. he died in 2006 at the age of 82, survived by his wife, the former Irene Ksviek.
 
Aldo Miles of 409 Fourth Street, Solvay, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant at Camp Bowlie, Texas. He is with the Ordnance Service. (7/4/42)
Aldo Miles was a native of Italy, but lived most of his life in Solvay. Still at the Fourth Street address, he died in 1992 at the age of 72. He had been employed as a building services supervisor for the State University College of Environmental Services and Forestry.
 

Pvt. John T. Miller completed his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, and was granted an 11-day furlough with his wife, Mrs. John T. Miller and two children, John Jr. and Johanna, 717 Fourth Street, Solvay. Then he reported back to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, for reassignment and now has a New York APO. (10/12/44)

Pvt. John T. Miller, husband of Mrs. Nellie M. Miller, 717 Fourth Street, Solvay, was wounded in Europe. (3/16/45)

 

Syracuse Journal, June 21, 1938
Their enlistment in the Army accepted, two Solvay High School postgraduates were given temporary leaves of absence Tuesday by Col. John R. Kelly, chief of the Syracuse Army recruiting district, so that they might complete their regents examinations before heading for Hawaii tomorrow night.

The two star students are Richard A. Pollard, 123 Terry Road, and Lloyd F. Mitchell of 116 Terry Road. Neighbors and both 19, they have been playmates and pals for the past eight years.

Both recruits graduated from Solvay High School last June, and the following January Pollard applied for enlistment in the Army air service. At the time there were no vacancies and while his enlistment was accepted, he was placed on the preference list and instructed to bide his time.

Last Friday we went to the Army office and, learning he could enter another branch of the service and then at the first opening transfer to the air corps, he signed up for the coast artillery.

Then came the matter of a regents examination in chemistry, which he was to take this morning. Colonel Kelly gave him a “pass” so that he could be on leave to take the test.

This morning Mitchell bobbed up at the recruiting station and applied for enlistment. Accepted for service in the infantry, he, too, was given a leave of absence so that he could take a regents examination in French tomorrow.

At 11 o’clock tomorrow night both youths will board a train that will start them on the first leg of their journey to Hawaii. In the meantime professors at Solvay High School have been requested to forward them their examination marks to Hawaii.

 

Three Syracuse men were members of B-29 crews of the famed 19th Bombardment Group who played a part in Japan’s defeat by flying missions against strategic targets until the Nipponese surrender. For their participation in this offensive they received the following awards:

Maj. John S. Hancock, plane commander, 1650 James Street, the Air Medal with one clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

S/Sgt. Lloyd F. Mitchell, gunner, 116 Terry Road, the Air Medal and one cluster.

M/Sgt. Lewis A. Esselburn, flight engineer, 100 Woodbine Street, the Air Medal with three clusters. (9/27/45)

Lloyd F. Mitchell died in 2006 in Grand Haven, Michigan. A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Mitchell went on to attend American University and Georgetown Law School. He was an FBI agent, then vice president of Greyhound Van Lines in Chicago and later an independent business owner in Muskegon, Michigan. He was survived by five children, fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 

Charles Molta, private, son of Mr. and Mrs. Umberto Molta, 305 Second Street, Solvay, and Pvt. John DeVerso, son of Mr. and Mrs. James DeVerso of 224 Bailey Street, Solvay, have been seeing this war together.

Pals in civilian life, they volunteered together for Army duty in October, 1940, and served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as ambulance drivers. Last July Private Molta was ordered to duty overseas. DeVerso immediately applied for a transfer to Molta's unit so they wouldn't be separated, and subsequently they went to England together. And now they are in North Africa, still inseparable. (12/30/42)

T/5 Charles J. Molta, was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey in July, 1945. After the war he worked at General Electric and the U. S. Postal Service, retiring in 1985. He died in 1998 at the age of 78.
 
Seaman 2/c Emil Molta of 124-1/2 Freeman Avenue, Solvay, has completed “boot” training at Sampson Naval Training Center. (11/26/44)
Emil Molta lived in Lakeland after the war. He retired from the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department after 20 years as a sheriff's deputy. He previously worked at Allied Chemical. He died in 2007.
 
Candido Monfredini, private, 313 Charles Avenue, Solvay, has been assigned to Camp Polk, Louisiana. (9/18/42)
 
Pfc. William C. Monte, 125 Charles Avenue, Solvay, was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey. (8/21/45)
 

Lieut. Hilton O. Moore, 29, decorated for gallantry, was killed in action in France in August, according to information received by his mother, Mrs. Ida M. Moore, of 503 Third Street, Solvay.

Lieut. Moore was a graduate of Solvay High School and was employed by the Halcomb plant of the Crucible Steel Company of America before entering service. His brother, William Moore, is serving with the Navy overseas. (11/14/44)

William C. Moore died in 1998 at the age of 85. He resided at 111 South Avenue, Solvay, and was a member of the Solvay Tigers Athletic Club, the Solvay-Geddes Community Youth Center and the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department. Among his survivors was his wife, the former Ella Morgan.
 
Jack Morgan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Morgan, 428 Center Street, Solvay, promoted to hospital apprentice, second class at the U. S. Navy Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois. He will receive additional training at a Navy hospital before being assigned to duty. (8/4/42)
John E. "Jack" Morgan Sr. moved to Mattydale. He retired in 1982 as a conductor for Conrail. He died in 2002 at the age of 81. Among the survivors was his wife of 56 years, the former Helen Herrick. He had a brother, Thomas. R. Morgan, who also served with the Navy during the war.
 
Five sons of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Moseuk, 315 First Street, Solvay, are serving in the armed forces:
• Pvt. Nichols Moseuk is an Army mechanic at Chandler, Arizona.
• Pvt. Peter Moseuk is in the Army Engineers at Camp Picket, Virginia.
• Pvt. Joseph Moseuk is in an Army Ferrying Squad at Memphis, Tennessee.
• Gunner’s Mate Third Class Jacob Moseuk of the Navy is serving in the Pacific.
• Seaman Andrew Moseuk is in the Navy at Long Island. (10/17/43)

Joseph Moseuk retired from the Air Force after 21 years, then worked at the Camillus Post Office. He retired to Arizona and died in 1992 at the age of 71, survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Alice Brisk.

His brother, Jacob, spelled his last name Mosienik. He settled in Camillus and retired as a foreman, employed 30 years at Crucible Steel. Jacob J. Mosienik served in World War 2 as a gunner's mate 2nd Class in the Pacific. He died in 2012 at the age of 86.

 
Robert W. Mosher, 74, a native of Solvay, died in March 1986. He was a Navy veteran of World War 2. In 1956 he moved to Baldwinsville. He retired in 1970 as an air traffic controller at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. He was survived by his wife, the former Helen Hawelka, but she died seven weeks later.
Inducted into the Navy in March, 1944, was John W. Mosher Jr., 221 Charles Avenue, Solvay. He was living in Boynton Beach, Florida, when his mother, Pearl King Mosher, died in 1990. John Mosher Sr. was with the Solvay Fire Department for more than 50 years. Donald J. Mosher, his son (and brother of John W. Mosher Jr.) was the former chief of the fire department.
 
Pvt. Joseph Mossotti of 217 William Street, Solvay, son of Mrs. Marian Pescio Mossotti and the late Peter Mossotti, is serving with the Air Corps in Australia. (8/19/44)
Joseph G. Mossotti was born in Italy, but lived in the Solvay area most of his life. He served with the Fifth Air Corps in the South Pacific. Later he founded the Milton Supply Company. He died in 1996 at the age of 81.
Ronald P. "Moss" Mossotti,83, a native of Solvay, died in 2012. He served in the Navy during World War 2. After the war he built a home for his family in Fairmount. He was a retired sergeant of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department.
 
Petty Officer Third Class Felix Mozo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Mozo of Fairmount, was promoted to his present rank at Sampson and is now attending school at Norfolk, Virginia. He has a brother, Pvt. Santos Mozo, in service. (7/31/44)

Santos Mozo, 88, of Solvay, son of Feliciano and Maria Mozo, died in 2006 at the age of 88. He was an accomplished violinist as well as a Spanish tenor and opera buff. While in the Army, he gave a concert with Eugene Lizt, a well-known pianist, and was invited to sing with him at the London Symphony Orchestra. He appeared before the Spanish Ambassador to the United States in New York City, and performed at Radio City Music Hall. After graduating from Syracuse University he entertained on several cruise ships and in night clubs.

The Mozo family was one of the area's most accomplished. Santos had a sister, Mary, and his three brothers — Felix, Casper and Emilo — were star athletes at Solvay High School.

 

Home on furlough from Fort Benning, Georgia, Lieutenant Georgia Mulherin of 207 Charles Avenue, Solvay, recently commissioned an officer in the Army Nurses Corps, revealed last night she espects soon to be assigned to overseas duty.

Where she will be sent, or just when she will go, the Army nurse does not know, but she says she is eager to start. She expect Lieutenant Marie Naughton of Lafayette, also an Army nurse at Fort Benning, will be assigned overseas with her.

Lieutenant Mulherin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Mulherin. She enlisted in the Nurses Corps early last year and received her commission last month at the Savannah, Georgia, Air Base, but was later transferred to the 21st General Hospital Unit at Fort Benning.

She is a graduate of Saint Anthony of Padua’s High School and received her nurse’s training at St. Josepoh’s Hospital, where she continued to nurse until 1940. (3/8/42)

 

T/Sgt. James O. Mumper of 110 Center Street, Solvay, was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal while serving with the 28th Infantry Division of the 15th Army in Germany. (7/7/45)

Miss Anne I. Sable, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Spinek, 310 Apple Street, was married to M/Sgt. James O. Mumper, USA, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Warren Mumper, 110 Center Street, Solvay, September 1, in the Sacred Heart Church. The bride will remain with her parents when the bridegroom reports to Fort Dix, New Jersey. (9/23/45)

James O. Mumper retired from Allied Chemical in 1977. He died ten years later at the age of 67.
 
Pfc. Dominic Muolo, 113 Boyd Avenue, Solvay, returned to NYC aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Pfc. Dominick R. Muol0, Solvay, was discharged from Fort Dix, NJ. (11/24/45)
Dominic Muolo moved to Liverpool where he was a bartender at the Sheraton Inn. Previously he tended bar at the Hotel Syracuse, The Sixes and Poseidon Restaurant. He died in 1992 at the age of 77.
 
Sgt. Robert J. Murphy, 312 Chemung Street, was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey. (10/8/45)
Robert J. Murphy was taken prisoner by the Germans during the war. After he returned to civilian life he went to work at P&C Food Markets in Syracuse, retiring as a vice president in 1984. He died in 1992 at the age of 69.
 

Pfc. Edward Musengo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Domenick Musengo, 419 Center Street, Solvay, enjoyed a 10-day furlough from Camp Gordon, Georgia, where he is with a mechanized cavalry force. (11/14/43)

Pfc. Edward Musengo of Solvay is engaged to Miss Rose Cefaratti, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Cefaratti, 406 Cogswell Avenue, Solvay. Pfc. Musengo returned recently from 12 months in Europe and now is stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (11/25/45)

 
Edmund Mydlinski, private, 504 Woods Road, Solvay, completed training at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. (8/18/42)
Edmund J. Mydlinski retired in 1981 from Allied Chemical. He lived in Camillus and died in 1988 at the age of 68.
Pfc. Henry Mydlinski of 504 Woods Road, Solvay, recently visited a former Nazi resort at Oberhof, Germany, which is used as a rest center for members of the 407th Infantry Regiment. He has been overseas nine months and wears the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. (8/8/45)
Henry R. "Hank" Mydlinski died in 2007.
 
Also inducted into the armed services:
Bernard C. Makowski, 1227 Milton Avenue (1/18/43)
Stanley Makowski, 308 First Street, Solvay (Army, 8/10/43)
Lawrence C. Mazzochi, 823 Woods Road, Solvay (4/23/42)
Lloyd F. Mitchell, 116 Terry Road (Army, 9/5/43)
Leon G. Molchanoff, 976 Beach Road, Lakeland (Navy, 8/10/43)
Joseph L. Morin, 1902 West Genesee Street (Marines, 5/22/43)
 
 
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For more on Solvay way back when, check out
the Solvay-Geddes Historical Society
 
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