Remains of Buffalo native killed in World War II return home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The remains of a Buffalo native killed during World War II are returning home.

Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home says Bartholomew Loschiavo’s remains have been positively identified after years of work.

Loschiavo, the second youngest of 11 children, was killed in action at the age of 24 while fighting German troops in Luxembourg in October 1944. Initially, he had been reported missing in action, but towards the end of the war his family was informed that he had died.

“Mr. Loschiavo’s remains were discovered by local residents and buried in the Grevenmacher Parish Cemetery,” the funeral home said. “In the late 1940s, the burial site was discovered by the U.S. Army and Mr. Loschiavo’s remains were transferred to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg, where he remained in an unmarked grave for more than 75 years.”

Loschiavo’s nephew and great-nephew then began working to better understand what led to his death and identify his remains. Ultimately, the Loschiavo family was informed last April that the remains had been positively identified as those of Bartholomew. They will arrive in Buffalo this Thursday.

“Several extended family members will be traveling to Buffalo from Georgia and Arizona to participate in services for their uncle,” the funeral home said. “The story of Bart Loschiavo and his ultimate sacrifice has been passed down through generations for the past 80 years. The family is honored to bring closure and proper honor to his uncle on behalf of his parents and siblings.

Full military honors are expected to follow June 1 after Loschiavo’s remains are transferred to Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cheektowaga.