102-Year-Old World War II Veteran Passes Away While En Route to D-Day Commemoration in France

World War II Navy veteran Robert Persichitti, who witnessed the iconic raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima, passed away at the age of 102 while en route to France to participate in a D-Day commemoration event. Persichitti, a resident of Fairport, N.Y., was part of a group traveling to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion that changed the course of World War II in Europe.

According to reports, Persichitti suffered a medical emergency while on a ship heading towards Normandy and was airlifted to a hospital in Germany. Despite his history of heart problems, Persichitti was determined to make the journey after receiving encouragement from his cardiologist.

A beloved figure in his community, Persichitti was known for his active lifestyle and sharp mind, even in his later years. He served as a radioman second class on the U.S.S. Eldorado during the war, witnessing the historic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi in 1945. He later revisited the site in 2019, reflecting on the emotional impact of his wartime experiences.

In addition to his military service, Persichitti was a dedicated public school teacher in Rochester, where he continued to share his stories with students long after his retirement. His commitment to preserving the memory of World War II and honoring his fellow veterans was unwavering until the end.

Persichitti’s unexpected passing has left a void in the veteran community, but his legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire future generations.