After 80 years, fallen WWII soldier returns home to Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — After 80 years, World War II PFC Bartholomew Loschiavo is finally home.

“Now that Bart is here today with us,” said Loschiavo’s great-nephew, David Loschiavo. “The sense of pride in this man has grown deep now that Bart is here with us today. It’s not just the story we’ve all told ourselves. The story has become a harsh reality.

Private Loschiavo, a native of Buffalo, was killed in action during the attack on Grevenmacher in Luxembourg on October 1, 1944.

“He was a young man who answered the call of duty, leaving behind his family and the familiarity of home to fight for the freedoms we hold so dear,” said funeral director Charles Castiglia. . “Her journey was marked by courage and resilience.”

“Resilience” and “determination” is a gene that has stayed in the Loschiavo family. And thanks to their continued research and DNA analysis, the family can now continue to share stories about their first hero.

“We all knew the story of Uncle Bart, our family hero, from our earliest years of life,” David said. “This great family has never let the memory of Uncle Bart die. And they never gave up on him.

The service not only allowed attendees to mourn the loss of Loschiavo, but also celebrated his family, bringing together dozens of family members spanning multiple generations and even those who never had the chance to meet him, to pay him back homage and give him a final salute.

“We mourn his loss, but we also celebrate the love of the family that brought us to where we are today, that it took this effort to be able to bring him back here to western TX. New York, so that he can be properly honored given this appropriate military service,” said Senator George Borrello. “It’s an incredible story.”

Loschiavo’s life and legacy continues to live on beyond his 200 nieces and nephews, but across the state. The authorities proclaimed June 1 “Bartholomew Loschiavo Day”.

“We should always celebrate and recognize our Western New York heroes, and I was thrilled to do so a few days ago at the Erie County Legislature when we shared this history and talked about how we need to better serve our veterans and our families,” said Erie County Assemblywoman Lindsay Bratek-Lorigo “So thank you all and thank you for everything you have done as a family. It’s a beautiful party.

The story of Bartholomew Loschiavo and his ultimate sacrifice has been passed down through generations for the past 80 years. Bringing closure to the family decades later, they paid tribute to their uncle after his long-awaited mission.

“Today, Uncle Bart, you are home,” David said. “Your 80-year journey is over. Thank you for being our hero. May you have eternal peace as you rest next to your parents and your little brother, Matthew.