HomeNewsHonoring World War II vet Roland Scarinci

Honoring World War II vet Roland Scarinci

Roland Scarinci plays God Bless America on the harmonica.

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle last week presented 99-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Roland Scarinci with a House proclamation to recognize his efforts in the service of others during the pandemic.

Scarinci, who lives on Benson Street in Rhawnhurst, received the proclamation during a visit to Boyle’s office at 8572 Bustleton Ave. He played his favorite song, God Bless America, on the harmonica.

In the wake of Pearl Harbor and the U.S. joining World War II, Scarinci enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 at age 17, with special permission from his mother. He was assigned to the 1st Marine Division and was stationed in the Pacific Theater on the Solomon Islands. He participated in the invasion of Okinawa.

Boyle said Scarinci “served our country with distinction and honor,” and was impressed that he enlisted at 17.

“It truly is all-American,” the congressman said.

During the pandemic, Scarinci used his harmonica, online and in person, to bring joy to and to motivate, encourage and unify people.

Scarinci’s wife, Gloria, died on Feb 1, a day after they celebrated their 74th anniversary.

“I just loved her to pieces,” he said.

Scarinci was joined at the proclamation presentation by his daughter, Denise Kennedy. ••

Philadelphia
broken clouds
37.2 ° F
39.1 °
35.6 °
94 %
2.9mph
75 %
Sat
50 °
Sun
51 °
Mon
58 °
Tue
56 °
Wed
45 °

STAY CONNECTED

11,235FansLike
2,089FollowersFollow

Related articles

4

Keystone Academy tackles bullying

November 14, 2024

9

Be All You Can Be

October 24, 2024

14

Around Town

October 14, 2024

15

Famous Birthdays

October 14, 2024

17

Reunions

October 10, 2024

19

Community Pride Award for GBCL

September 30, 2024

24

Around Town

September 28, 2024

27

Scholars

September 28, 2024

28

Sports briefs

September 28, 2024

29

Jerry McGovern, at your service

September 28, 2024

30

A family affair

September 28, 2024

31

Manor opens Nursing Skills Lab

September 28, 2024

32

Gill wants penalties for ‘car...

September 28, 2024
Community Calendar

33

Community Calendar

September 28, 2024

34

Chloe is a snuggler

September 28, 2024

36

Website accepting prayer requests

September 28, 2024

38

TWU 234 backs Dougherty

September 28, 2024

40

Around Town

September 27, 2024