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World War II

World War II Era Letter In Bottle Discovered By Woman During Tropical Storm Debby World War II Era Letter In Bottle Discovered By Woman During Tropical Storm Debby
World War II Era Letter In Bottle Discovered By Woman During Tropical Storm Debby Shortly after Debby made landfall along Florida's west coast as a Category 1 hurricane earlier this month, it produced something no forecaster — or anyone else — could have predicted. Suzanne Flament Smith, age 46, of Tampa, discovered it on Wednesday, Aug. 7, in the form of a World War II-era artifact. She said she found it while collecting debris in the city of Safety Harbor. It was a bottle sealed by a cork. Inside was a handwritten letter from a location in Virginia over 800 miles away near Virginia Beach. Above is a closer view of the letterhead, which reads, "United States Navy Amphi…
Bomb Squad Called After DPW Worker Finds Mortar In Yonkers Bomb Squad Called After DPW Worker Finds Mortar In Yonkers
Bomb Squad Called After DPW Worker Finds Mortar In Yonkers A bomb squad was called after a public works employee discovered a World War II-era mortar in his relative's belongings in Westchester, authorities said. The incident began on Monday, April 29, at around 11 a.m., when a Yonkers Department of Public Works employee contacted the city's police department and told them he had a mortar in his car, parked at the DPW Service Center at 1130 Nepperhan Ave. According to Yonkers Police Lieutenant Jamie Dumser, the employee had discovered the mortar while cleaning out a relative's belongings. He then brought it to the service center to find out how to …
Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Westchester School District Dies Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Westchester School District Dies
Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Westchester School District Dies A beloved teacher who spent 40 years with a Northern Westchester school district and was known for keeping in touch with students for decades is being remembered for his ability to change the lives of those he taught. Longtime Pleasantville resident Adrian McGuire, who taught at the Chappaqua Central School District for decades, died on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the age of 99 at the Waterview Hills rehabilitation center in North Salem, according to his obituary. Born in Pleasantville in June 1924, McGuire graduated from Regis High School and Fordham University before earning his Ma…
Connecticut Native Norman Lear, Iconic Sitcom Producer, Dies Connecticut Native Norman Lear, Iconic Sitcom Producer, Dies
Connecticut Native Norman Lear, Iconic Sitcom Producer, Dies Legendary television producer Norman Lear died after a lifetime of laughter surrounded by family on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes, according to his obituary. He was 101 years old. Lear, known for creating such iconic situation comedies as "All In the Family," and "Maude," was born in Connecticut in 1922 in New Haven, the eldest child of Jeanette and Hyman "Herman" Lear, a traveling salesman. He grew up in a Jewish household. When Lear was 9 years old and living in Massachusetts with his family in Chelsea in Suffolk County, his father went to prison…
Former Police Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: 'Gentleman In All Aspects' Former Police Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: 'Gentleman In All Aspects'
Former Police Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: 'Gentleman In All Aspects' The former chief of a police department in Westchester is being remembered for his kindness and his dedication to serving both his country and his community.  Lifelong Port Chester resident Zygmont C. Gorski, who once served as Chief of the Port Chester Police Department, died on Saturday, July 1 at the age of 96, according to his obituary.  Born in Port Chester in 1927, Gorski was raised and schooled in the village before joining the US Navy in 1945 and 1946, serving on the USS Benham during World War II.  Upon returning to the US, he joined the Port Chester Polic…
Harrison's John J. Plunkett, 91, Was The Last American Chief Engineer At The Panama Canal Harrison's John J. Plunkett, 91, Was The Last American Chief Engineer At The Panama Canal
Harrison's John J. Plunkett, 91, Was The Last American Chief Engineer At The Panama Canal John J. (Jack) Plunkett, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Project Engineer, died on his 91st birthday, July 16, 2022 at his home in Niceville, FL. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The son of Frank and Ellen Hackman Plunkett, Jack was born on July 16, 1931 in Harrison,  In his youth, he had a magazine delivery route, a newspaper route, raised pigeons, caddied often, and set pins in a bowling alley. He graduated Harrison High School at age 16 because of the Great Depression when his father lost his home. He was an Eagle Scout with three Palms and was awarded the Order of the…
Eastchester's Centenarian Ed Ranieri: A Shining Example Of The Greatest Generation Eastchester's Centenarian Ed Ranieri: A Shining Example Of The Greatest Generation
Eastchester's Centenarian Ed Ranieri: A Shining Example Of The Greatest Generation Hildebrand (“Ed”) Ranieri, a longtime resident of Eastchester, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 28. He was 100 years young, celebrating his century milestone this past September. He is survived by his children, Bill (and wife Tina), Joan (and significant other Mark) and Jamie (and wife Yvonne) and grandchildren Robert and Rachel. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, and respective spouses in addition to many friends from around town and as many new friends he made during the last few years in Fort Myers, FL. (Ed was recently crowned “Man of the Year” at his assiste…
Former Fire Chief In Mount Vernon Dies Former Fire Chief In Mount Vernon Dies
Former Fire Chief In Mount Vernon Dies Joseph Francis Cerrone, a former fire chief in Westchester and decorated Navy veteran, died at the age of 92. Born in Mount Vernon on Feb. 27, 1929, Cerrone attended Hamilton Elementary School and was graduated from Edison Technical and Vocational High School in 1949. He received an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Westchester Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Technology from Empire State College. Cerrone served two tours in the US Navy (1946-48 and 1950-52) and was awarded the World War II victory medal, Korean Service medal, and United Nations Korean Service medal. …
COVID-19: Restrictions Lifted On Travel Sports, Indoor, Outdoor Performing Arts In NY COVID-19: Restrictions Lifted On Travel Sports, Indoor, Outdoor Performing Arts In NY
Covid-19: Restrictions Lifted On Travel Sports, Indoor, Outdoor Performing Arts In NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo is now encouraging New Yorkers to “get back to life and living,” as he lifts even more COVID-19 restrictions across the state. Citing a dramatic decline in COVID-19 numbers, Cuomo announced that certain restrictions on travel sports and outdoor entertainment spaces, including pro sports teams and performing arts centers. Related story - Play Ball: Mets, Yankee Fans Allowed In Stands For Opening Day Cuomo said that the state will be following the same model that they used to allow fans in the stands for the Buffalo Bills playoff game, including mandatory mask mandates, soc…
COVID-19: Biden Issues Orders On Masks, Schools, Travel, Saying 'This Is A Wartime Undertaking' COVID-19: Biden Issues Orders On Masks, Schools, Travel, Saying 'This Is A Wartime Undertaking'
Covid-19: Biden Issues Orders On Masks, Schools, Travel, Saying 'This Is A Wartime Undertaking' President Joe Biden has hit the ground running in laying out his COVID-19 response plan to slow down the pandemic, issuing a series of executive orders to combat the spread of the virus, calling it a "wartime undertaking." On his first full day in office, Thursday, Jan. 21, Biden signed 10 executive orders to combat COVID-19, mandating masks on public transportation across the country and directing agencies to use wartime powers to require American companies to make masks, swabs, and other equipment. The new travel order also requires international travelers to provide proof of a negative…
Westchester County Office For The Aging Hall-Of-Famer Marie C. Williams, 92 Westchester County Office For The Aging Hall-Of-Famer Marie C. Williams, 92
Westchester County Office For The Aging Hall-Of-Famer Marie C. Williams, 92 Longtime Lake Oscaleta resident Marie Williams was a tireless asset to the South Salem community. For many years she was the treasurer of the Lake Oscaleta Association and for over 40 years she was an active member of her beloved Lewisboro Seniors. She served as Vice President and Treasurer and helped plan trips, parties and events. Marie and her husband Bob volunteered every year for the Lewisboro Library Fair. Marie would stand proudly at her Attic Treasures booth that she would meticulously display and price. Marie and her twin brother were born in 1928 in New York City. Her father w…
New Round Of Snow Could Be Coming To Region New Round Of Snow Could Be Coming To Region
New Round Of Snow Could Be Coming To Region A sharp drop in temperatures has ushered in the Halloween weekend which started after much of the region saw the first snowfall of the season. Now, more snow could be coming to the area in just a matter of days. Halloween Day, Saturday, Oct. 31 will be bright and sunny with a high temperature in the low to mid 40s. For just the first time since World War II, a Halloween blue moon will be visible to the entire world Saturday evening. (A blue moon is when there is more than one full moon during a month.) After that, it will be time to "Fall Back" and set clocks back an hour with the end of …
COVID-19: New York State Fair, Which Drew 1.3M Last Year, Called Off For First Time Since WWII COVID-19: New York State Fair, Which Drew 1.3M Last Year, Called Off For First Time Since WWII
Covid-19: New York State Fair, Which Drew 1.3M Last Year, Called Off For First Time Since WWII The show will not go on this year. Much to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s chagrin, the annual State Fair in Syracuse has been called off due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “Really … this is a tough one for me,” Cuomo said during a COVID-19 briefing in Manhattan on Monday, July 6. “Fairs across the nation are not reopening, and we have to cancel ours.” Cuomo said that the state fair saw a record 1.3 million visitors last year, and the state has invested money into a new 11,000-square-foot expo center in Syracuse. The fair was to run for 18 days for the first time this year, wi…
IDs Now Released For All Victims, Survivors Of Deadly WWII Bomber Plane Crash IDs Now Released For All Victims, Survivors Of Deadly WWII Bomber Plane Crash
IDs Now Released For All Victims, Survivors Of Deadly WWII Bomber Plane Crash The names of the seven victims and the survivors of a deadly World War II bomber plane crash at Bradley International Airport have been released as authorities continue to investigate. During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella said that as the investigation continues, it was important to keep the families of "those injured and killed in our thoughts and prayers." The pilot, Ernest McCauley, 75, of Long Beach, California, and co-pilot Michael Foster, 71, of Jacksonville, Florida, are …
IDs Released For Two Of Seven Victims In Deadly WWII Bomber Plane Crash IDs Released For Two Of Seven Victims In Deadly WWII Bomber Plane Crash
IDs Released For Two Of Seven Victims In Deadly WWII Bomber Plane Crash The names of two of the seven victims of a deadly World War II bomber plane crash at Bradley International Airport have been released by family members, but officials have declined to name those that perished. During a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella said that to date seven people were killed and that the six survivors were in “varying medical conditions” that ranged from minor to critical condition. Connecticut State Police have not released the names of those killed or injured. The crash…
Seven Now Reported Dead After Vintage WWII Bomber Plane Crashes At Bradley Airport Seven Now Reported Dead After Vintage WWII Bomber Plane Crashes At Bradley Airport
Seven Now Reported Dead After Vintage WWII Bomber Plane Crashes At Bradley Airport Seven people are now reported dead following the crash of a vintage World War II bomber plane at Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, that was carrying 13 people. Connecticut State Police said they can not confirm the exact number of people who perished in the crash that took place at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, while attempting to land. Three people on the plane were crew members, ten were passengers, state police said. The vintage World War II airplane was in the air for approximately five minutes when it experienced problems and crashed into a de-icing facility at Bradley, bur…
Hudson Valley Barber, Known As 'World's Oldest,' Dies At Age 108 Hudson Valley Barber, Known As 'World's Oldest,' Dies At Age 108
Hudson Valley Barber, Known As 'World's Oldest,' Dies At Age 108 A Hudson Valley man known as the "world's oldest barber" has died. Anthony Mancinelli died on Thursday, Sept. 19 at his Orange County home in New Windsor. He was 108. Mancinelli started cutting hair at age 11 years old. Remarkably, he kept at it for almost a century.  In 2007, he was cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s oldest barber” -- a designation repeated each year since then. Mancinelli was born March 2, 1911 in Montemilone, Italy. The son of John and Savino Madrisi Mancinelli. Anthony came to America in September of 1919, on the ship Caserta. …
Married Father Reportedly Suspect In Ex-Westchester Resident's Murder Married Father Reportedly Suspect In Ex-Westchester Resident's Murder
Married Father Reportedly Suspect In Ex-Westchester Resident's Murder A married father of two has reportedly been arrested for the murder of a former Northern Westchester resident on the Greek Island of Crete. The unnamed 27-year-old man has already confessed to killing Suzanne Eaton, 59, who graduated from Byram Hills High School in Armonk in 1977, reported the BCC News. Eaton, a renowned molecular biologist, was reported missing Tuesday, July 2, after failing to show up for a conference she was attending.  Following a massive search, her body was found on Monday, July 8, by two explorers inside a World War II bunker, which is a system of manmade …
America's Mayor? Bill de Blasio's 'Confrontational Energy' In Debate Draws Nationwide Attention America's Mayor? Bill de Blasio's 'Confrontational Energy' In Debate Draws Nationwide Attention
America's Mayor? Bill de Blasio's 'Confrontational Energy' In Debate Draws Nationwide Attention While Mayor Bill de Blasio came across as a pushy New Yorker to some presidential debate-watchers on Wednesday night, other national media observers were wowed by the Democrat. Related story: Vote Now: Who Won First Democratic Presidential Debate? According to this article in the Miami Herald -- where back-to-back debates are taking place -- de Blasio "brought a surprisingly confrontational energy to the crowded debate stage." Meanwhile, a senior correspondent for Slate noted in this column that the mayor entered the first debate "riding almost impossibly low expectation…
War Dog Memorial Planned For Lasdon Park In Northern Westchester War Dog Memorial Planned For Lasdon Park In Northern Westchester
War Dog Memorial Planned For Lasdon Park In Northern Westchester Lasdon Park, located on Route 35 in Katonah, will soon be the home to a new war dog memorial. Westchester County Executive George Latimer made the announcement on Wednesday, March 13, also known as National K-9 Veterans Day. In total, more than $30,000 has been raised by Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum to erect a memorial statue that will be dedicated to military hero dogs. The sculpture is a life-size depiction of Chips, a World War II War Dog. It will serve to honor the thousands of service dogs who have fought to protect soldiers in violent war zones throughout the country. Pres…
Anthony Rabasca, Mine Sweeper In Normandy Invasion, Westchester Business Owner, Dies At 94 Anthony Rabasca, Mine Sweeper In Normandy Invasion, Westchester Business Owner, Dies At 94
Anthony Rabasca, Mine Sweeper In Normandy Invasion, Westchester Business Owner, Dies At 94 Anthony D. Rabasca, 94, died February 15, 2019 at Solaris Healthcare Parkway in Stuart, FL. Born in New Rochelle, Anthony lived at The Evergreen Club in Palm City, FL for the past 37 years. He was a business owner of Décor Decorators in New Rochelle for 39 years before retiring in 1980. Anthony served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a mine sweeper during the Normandy Invasion. He served for three years until receiving an Honorable Discharge in February 1946. Anthony was married for 71 years to his beloved Julia who passed in December 2018. He wi…
Popular Hudson Valley Barber Is World's Oldest, According To Guinness Book Of Records Popular Hudson Valley Barber Is World's Oldest, According To Guinness Book Of Records
Popular Hudson Valley Barber Is World's Oldest, According To Guinness Book Of Records Nearly a century ago, an Orange County barber cut his first head of hair. Ninety-six years later, he’s been immortalized in the Guinness Book of World Records. At 107 years old, New Windsor native Anthony Mancinelli keeps putting in his 40 hours a week, and has been dubbed the “world’s oldest barber” by the Guinness Book of World Records, cutting hair from noon to 8 p.m. each day. Mancinelli was first honored by Guinness World Records in 2007, when he was 96 years old. Since then, the commendations have continued annually. According to the New York Times, Mancinelli “has a trim build, a st…
Ivan The Terrible Painting Stolen During World War II Discovered At Area Home Ivan The Terrible Painting Stolen During World War II Discovered At Area Home
Ivan The Terrible Painting Stolen During World War II Discovered At Area Home A 107-year-old painting of Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible that was stolen from an art museum in Ukraine during World War II will be returned to its homeland after it was discovered at an area residence where it had been for decades. Mikhail Panin's painting, called Secret Departure Of Ivan The Terrible Before The Oprichnina, was part of the permanent collection of the museum in Dnipro, U.S. attorney's office prosecutors said, according to Radio Free Europe. An American couple inherited the painting when they bought a home in Ridgefield, Connecticut, in 1961 from a former memb…
Westchester Remembers Residents Who Fought In World War II On Pearl Harbor Day Westchester Remembers Residents Who Fought In World War II On Pearl Harbor Day
Westchester Remembers Residents Who Fought In World War II On Pearl Harbor Day Westchester County Executive George Latimer marked the 77th anniversary of the infamous Pearl Harbor attacks with remembrance and gratitude. “Our nation was attacked 77 years ago,” he said Friday, Dec. 7. “We must never forget those we lost on that fateful day. But instead of defeating us, the attack on Pearl Harbor made clear the determined spirit that drives us as Americans." Latimer went on to refer to the Westchester residents who fought in World War II as "a manifestation of that spirit," thanking those brave men and women for their service and dedication to American freedoms. "W…
Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94 Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94
Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94 George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died late Friday night, Nov. 30, at his home in Houston. He was 94. Bush, who grew up in the area in Greenwich, was president from 1989 to 1993 after serving as vice president the previous eight years under President Ronald Reagan, and was the father of George W. Bush, who was president from 2001 to 2009, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who ran for president in 2016. Bush's tenure as president was marked by Operation Desert Storm in which the United States and allied forces ejected Iraq from Kuwait. Following an ec…
Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94 Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94
Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94 George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died late Friday night, Nov. 30, at his home in Houston. He was 94. Bush, who grew up in the area in Greenwich, was president from 1989 to 1993 after serving as vice president the previous eight years under President Ronald Reagan, and was the father of George W. Bush, who was president from 2001 to 2009, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who ran for president in 2016. Bush's tenure as president was marked by Operation Desert Storm in which the United States and allied forces ejected Iraq from Kuwait. Following an ec…
Last Nazi War Criminal Living In U.S. Deported From New York Back To Germany Last Nazi War Criminal Living In U.S. Deported From New York Back To Germany
Last Nazi War Criminal Living In U.S. Deported From New York Back To Germany An indicted Nazi war criminal -- the 68th and last one known to be living in the U.S. - has been deported from New York back to Germany. Palij, 95, was born in what was then-Poland and now Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States in 1949. The former Nazi guard apparently lied to U.S. immigration officials about his role in mass killings during World War II, saying he worked on a farm and in a factory, the White House said in a statement. The former Nazi labor camp guard has lived in Jackson Heights, Queens since 2001.  His deportation comes after years of diplomatic wrangling, the Whi…
'Band Of Brothers' Original Member From Westchester Dies 'Band Of Brothers' Original Member From Westchester Dies
'Band Of Brothers' Original Member From Westchester Dies One of the original “Band of Brothers” from the Hudson Valley who parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day has died at the age of 96. Philip Perugini, a Northern Westchester resident in Buchanan who formerly called Ossining home died on Thursday, Aug. 9. He was born on May 26, 1922, to Tomaso and Angiolina Perugini. When World War II began, Perugini enlisted in the United States Army and was one of the original “Band of Brothers,” the group of soldiers with the 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry, with the Easy Company Squad. He received a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during hi…
World War II Tanker Off LI Coast Sunk by U-Boat Could Be Leaking Oil World War II Tanker Off LI Coast Sunk by U-Boat Could Be Leaking Oil
World War II Tanker Off LI Coast Sunk by U-Boat Could Be Leaking Oil A British tanker torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Long Island during World War II may still be leaking oil. The Coast Guard said it has contracted Resolve Marine to conduct an underwater assessment of the tanker Coimbra, from June 19 to June 27. The Coimbra is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Shinnecock. The operation will assess the condition of the tanker and potential environmental impact. During the assessment, boaters are requested to keep a safe distance of 500 yards from the dive operation. “We have assembled a team including members of the Navy Sup…
George H.W. Bush Hospitalized In Intensive Care Days After Wife's Funeral George H.W. Bush Hospitalized In Intensive Care Days After Wife's Funeral
George H.W. Bush Hospitalized In Intensive Care Days After Wife's Funeral Days after his wife's death, former President George H.W. Walker is hospitalized with several serious complications, according to multiple news reports.  George H.W. Bush is awake, alert and talking after he was admitted to intensive care earlier this week, a family spokesman said Tuesday, April 24. Bush, 93, was admitted to the Houston Methodist Hospital Sunday morning after contracting an infection that spread to his blood, family spokesman Jim McGrath said, a day after a funeral was held for his wife, Barbara Bush. According to McGrath, the 41st President has said he is determined to ge…
Did You Remember To Spring Forward For Daylight Saving Time? Did You Remember To Spring Forward For Daylight Saving Time?
Did You Remember To Spring Forward For Daylight Saving Time? Did you remember to change your clock? Daylight Saving Time went into effect at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, marking its 100th year. Local officials also recommend checking and changing batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.   Daylight Saving began during World War I and used again during World War II as an energy saving initiative. It didn't become a (mostly) nationwide event until the  Uniform Time Act of 1966. Arizona and Hawaii do not participate  Daylight Saving Time's eight-month run lasts through early November.