Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
Sgt.Grit,
Enclosed is the obit. of a real fine Marine. Sgt. Portella, was a member of the WWII, DI's for many years, and traveled back to Parris Island, with them until a few years ago, when they all got a little old to travel anymore, and many had passed away. You would bring a lot of joy to a bunch of WWII, Marines if they could see Mike remembered in your great newsletter. Thank You.
"Another Marine reported to St. Peter this week. My father, Albert R. Ruggiero, PFC, 1943-1946, passed away on 11July2010 in his home of Huntington Beach, CA. He served with the 9th MAW, Cherry Point, NC as a radioman on a B-25 bomber. He was a native of Grenich Village, NY. Upon leaving the Marines he moved to California with his mom and resumed his life in Los Angeles, CA where he worked as a deputy sheriff in the West Hollywood area then with IBM and retiring from IBM after 36 years. He is survived by 2 sons, Ralph & Paul and his daughter Christina. He was a wonderful good natured man and will be missed dearly. I love you dad. Semper Fidelis.
My family and I were on a cross country vacation in June of this year. The trip included a visit with my brothers outside Buffalo, New York. It was at this time that a wake for a 21 year old fallen Marine was highly publicized in the Tonawanda News paper. The Marine was from North Tonawanda, New York. As a Marine veteran circa 1960-64, I had the feeling that I had to pay my respects to this Marine. The parking lot was lined with outriders standing at parade rest with American flags held at their positions. The Tonawanda police were there and opened the door to the funeral home as I entered. I paid my respects and said a prayer before the casket. I then turned to the Marine's mother and step father to convey my condolences. I mentioned to them that I was on vacation from Washington state and just had to be here for them. The mom hugged me and thanked me for being there.
Vito E Pistone IV, Born Oct.22,1981, passed away on July 10,2010, as a result of an all-terrain vehicle accident. He was a born leader. Vito was a loving husband and an amazing father. He was a great friend and an even better brother. Vito was an inspiration to all who met him. He was always there to carry the weight and gave you a smile when you needed it the most. He was a man of strong morals and applications, an example for everything you could have hoped to be.
