Carmine Anthony Pecorelli, 96, of Belfast, Maine, passed away on March 18, 2022. He was born, on June 27, 1925, in Jersey City, NJ son of the late Gerald Pecorelli and Madilyn (Santoro) Pecorelli.
Carmine enlisted in the US Navy on June 25, 1943, and went to Naval Training Station Sampson, NY. Upon completion of BootCamp Carmine served on the USS Dynamic AM-91 (Mine Sweeper) and then he was assigned to VFN-90. One of the first-night fighter squadrons. Carmine rose to the rank of Radarman Second Class and was honorably discharged from the US Navy on June 27, 1946. Carmine was accepted to the Citadel Military College, Charleston, SC in 1950 and was the recipient of the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award for his work in community service. Carmine also served in the US Army Reserves and was assigned to the 78th Infantry Division (Lightning Division) and 320th Special Forces Operation Detachment. Carmine retained the rank of Sargent Major.
Carmine moved to Haddonfield, NJ, where he raised his family. He leaves behind four children, Theresa (husband Marty Belsky), Carmine Anthony (C.A.), Stephen, and Michela (husband Sean Carr). Carmine was a pop-pop to eight grandchildren, Ryan (wife Aneta Strus), Michela (William Saunders), Jonathon, Dylan, Gerald, McKenzie, Meghan, and Kelly, and one great-grandchild due in June. Carmine is pre-deceased by his younger sister Marie and brother Gerald. Carmine was a loving supportive uncle to nine nieces and nephews. He also had an adopted family, his Citadel roommate James Gaddy Ward Jr., his younger sister (known as Sister), and his two sons James III and Bill, of Rowland, NC. Upon retirement, Carmine moved to Maine.
Carmine was a high school CCD teacher at Christ the King Church (Haddonfield) and was active at Kingsway Assembly of God in Cherry Hill, NJ. Carmine was also a life member in the Veterans of Foreign War Post 7677 (Medford, NJ) and Post 3108 (Belfast, ME). Carmine was active in wreaths across America and would decorate service members’ graves from Maine down to Arlington Cemetery. Carmine was also a Troop greeter to service members as they passed through Maine en route to overseas missions. Carmine greeted his son (Stephen) an officer in the NJARNG, as he was deployed to Egypt, and for two tours in Iraq. Where ever or whatever Carmine (Pop-Pop) was active in or participating in, he was known for his great big smile and hardy laugh.
Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 5 pm on March 23, 2022, at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast. A funeral will follow at 10 am on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Faith Temple Church 189 Lincolnville Ave, Belfast, ME 04915 as well as interment at 1 pm at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery 163 Mt. Vernon Road Augusta, Me.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the VFW Post 1308 Belfast, ME.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com
Posted in: Riposta Funeral Home
Posted on: 2022-03-21
Link to original obituary: https://ripostafh.com/tribute/details/17280/Carmine-Pecorelli/obituary.html#tribute-start