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11/30/2016 07:30 AMLike many young men at the time, when Arthur DeAngelo was 18, he was called to serve in World War II. Now a 92-year-old East Haven resident, Arthur clearly recalls his years of service.
He began with basic training in California, learning how to fire weapons in the Mojave Desert. Arthur and those he served with shipped out from Fort Devens in Massachusetts and landed in Glasgow, Scotland.
“We got prepared to go to the shores of England and France,” says Arthur. “When the invasion did take off, we were part of the 463rd that landed on Normandy.”
Arthur was assigned to General Patton’s third army and traveled across many countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg. He was also involved in five major battles, including Battle of the Bulge.
“As far as the war, we had no time off to enjoy ourselves,” says Arthur. “Once the war was over, we got discharged and started a new life.”
Before being deployed, Arthur had met Maria and the two were married after he returned stateside when the war ended in 1945. They were married for about 30 years and had three children, Cherie Adamczyk. Richard DeAngelo, and Gloria DePalma. Arthur now has nine grandchildren and two great granddaughters.
“My grandkids live across the street and it’s nice to see them growing up,” says Arthur. “I’m hoping they get into something that gives them a lifetime of happiness.”
Arthur grew up in New Haven as one of nine children. He moved back to New Haven when he was discharged.
In the 1930s, Arthur’s father bought a property in East Haven. There was a farmhouse with no electricity and later on, his sister bought the property, building a home on it. When his sister passed away, Arthur’s niece took ownership of the property and when she got married, she sold it to Arthur, who has now lived there for 15 years.
When Arthur returned from war, he was reluctant to join his father’s roofing and tinning business, but he worked with him for some time. One of his friends then offered him a job driving a fuel oil truck, which Arthur accepted, working for Teamsters for 38 years. Arthur also was a member of the Policeman’s Auxiliary as a motorcyclist and he is closely affiliated with the VA hospital in West Haven.
Since serving in World War II, many reunions have been held over the years across the country with nearly 300 people attending in the early years. The veterans would travel to a host state and spend time with their comrades.
“They were three- or four-day affairs and we’d just sit there and chew the fat and talk about the old Army days,” says Arthur. “It’s what you call brotherly love—we had that. I treasure them more than many people. Over the last two or three years, there’s only about seven men left.”
In addition to talking about his Army days at the reunions years ago, Arthur also visited students at St. Joseph’s in Derby. He enjoyed sharing his experience with students and was appreciative of the reception they held.
“The kids were interested in what you did in the war days,” says Arthur. “They kids came over to congratulate me and ask questions. I would’ve liked to have done some more of that.”
While Arthur is 92 years old, he is self-sufficient, taking care of himself and his home. He also helps his 95-year-old brother. Arthur was recently diagnosed with cancer, but got “the best news for Thanksgiving” that he is now in remission.
“There’s longevity in our family,” says Arthur. “My mom died at 105 of natural causes and I have 100-year-old sister and 95-year-old brother. I try to take good care of myself and make good food. We’ve had a fairly good life. I can’t complain. At 92 years old, I’m just making the best of life.”