Peter P. Patalano, of Norfolk and Estero, Florida passed away on February 9 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Tina T. (Strozzi) Patalano who died in 2013.
Peter was born in Italy and grew up in Somerville, Mass. He was the son of the late Candeloro and Mary (Antetomaso) Patalano. He graduated from Somerville High and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University, where he co-majored in Economics and Accounting.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1943 at the age of 17 and was called to active duty two weeks after his 18th birthday.
After receiving his basic training as an infantryman in Ft McLellan, Alabama, he was assigned to the 30th Infantry Division. The division completed its advanced training in England, then participated in the Omaha Beach landings, and fought in five campaigns including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and culminated at the Elbe River where the division met up with the Russian Army.
In addition to 5 Campaign medals, Staff Sergeant Peter Patalano was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Man’s Badge, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Certificate of Merit. His division was awarded the Belgian Croix d’Guerre and his regiment was awarded the Unit Citation.
During his active duty, Peter met several celebrities including General Dwight Eisenhower, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth.
After the war, he joined the 26th Division of the Massachusetts National Guard and retired as a 2nd Lieutenant.
In 1945, met the Love of his life and later married the former Tina Strozzi of Roslindale. They raised two beautiful children, Cheryl and Curtis. The family owned and operated Patalano Ford and Patalano Chrysler Jeep in Franklin.
Peter was involved in the community in many ways. He was a director and served as Chairman of the Board of the Dean Bank, Director and president of the Franklin Rotary Club, director of the United Chamber of Commerce and served on the Community Council at Dean College.
In addition to the celebrities mentioned above, Peter also had the privilege of meetings with General Colin Powell and General Schwartzkopf.
In his early adulthood, Peter played the clarinet and saxophone professionally and led his own orchestra.
Peter and his wife Tina enjoyed traveling, and visited many countries all over the world.
Peter is survived by his daughter, Cheryl T. Patalano of Woonsocket, RI and his son, Curtis P. Patalano of Franklin, and Sandwich, MA. His grandson, Jason L. Milligan and his wife, Melissa (Moorehouse) Milligan of Bellingham, MA and his granddaughter, Courtney N. Milligan of Bellingham, MA.
He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Peter was predeceased by his brothers, Salvatore Patalano of Sheepshead Bay, NY, Domenic Patalano of Reading, MA and his sister, Florence (Patalano) Mercandetti of Arlington, MA.
His funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. St. Mary Church, Church Square, Franklin, MA.
Calling hours will be on Friday, February 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street, Franklin, MA. (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com)
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Peter’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 ,Topeka, KS 66675