Palmer P. Loro 1923-2009
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NILES - Palmer P. Loro, 86, entered peacefully into eternal rest Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Palmer was born March 5, 1923, in Niles, a son of Gene ''Smitty'' and Mary Simeone Loro.
He was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School, class of 1941, attended Youngstown College for two years as a business administration major and deferred to draft status 2F unit until the conclusion of his second year. He was drafted into United States Army for duty. He served with the 29th Infantry Division and participated in the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach at Normandy, France. In addition, he continued his frontline duty until wounded in action on Aug. 29, 1944. Upon his return to duty from England, Palmer was a member of a five-man patrol that crossed the Elbe River in Germany, established the second Allied forces link-up with the Russian Cossacks and was awarded The Red Star of Russia by the commanding general of the Allied forces. This link-up signaled the approaching end of the war.
For his service, he was awarded the following medals: four campaign ribbons with four battle stars; one Bronze Arrowhead for the invasion of Omaha Beach; one Purple Heart for being wounded in action; one Bronze Star for combat duty in France and Germany; one Combat Rifleman Infantry Badge for achieving the expert classification in the use of the Browning automatic rifle, M-1 rifle and automatic machine gun; one Red Star of Grodsnicky of Russia; World War II Victory Medal; and the Honorable Discharge Medal.
Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he worked as a Department of the Army Civilian (DAC), as a supply officer, commissary and clothing sales store manager and property administrator for more than 34 years. His duties covered serving at Lordstown Ordnance Depot, Lordstown Military Reservation, Cleveland Support Detachment and Ravenna Arsenal Army Ammunition Plant.
He was a member of AARP, NARFE, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Niles SCOPE and Golden Agers and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles.
Palmer retired in 1978 and enjoyed a full life an an avid golfer who spent many happy hours as a ranger/starter for 14 years at Avalon South golf courses. He enjoyed frequent golf outings and trips with friends. He will be remembered for his competitive spirit, his friendly disposition and his love of family. He enjoyed the lyrics of songs of the 1940s, playing the mandolin on recordings when younger. He was a faithful follower of the Cleveland Indians.
Palmer is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sicuro Loro, whom he married Oct. 30, 1948; his caring daughters, Linda Fletcher Stull of Niles and Debra Ann Senary and her husband, James of Boardman; a sister, Jeanne Yamsek and her husband, Pete of Brecksville; six grandchildren, Michael Fletcher and his wife, Theresa of McDonald, Aaron Stull and his wife, Jenny of Pittsburgh, Sarah Stull of Cleveland, Danielle Connolly and her husband, Mike of Austintown, and Ashley and Brittany Senary of Boardman.
Last is the newest addition of the family, Isabella Marie Stull , great-grandbaby daughter of Jenny and Aaron Stull, who made Palmer a very proud great-grandpa.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where the Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 4:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30 a.m. Monday at Mount Carmel Church in Niles, with the Rev. Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 9 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery, where Palmer will we honored for his military service by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Niles.
Condolences can be e-mailed at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com
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