West Hempstead Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal Dies

Just two days after serving as one of the Grand Marshal's of the , long-time resident and WWII veteran John Francis Terrasi died at the age of 87.

In an obituary published in Newsday Saturday, Terrasi was remembered as a "devoted husband to the late Ruth Sofnes Terrasi, [a] beloved father of Diane Mack, John and Daniel Terrasi, [and] adored by his grandchildren Laura Kelly,Michael, John, Lisa, Joseph and Stefanie Terrasi."

John served in the U.S. Navy from June 1943 to May 1946. During WWII, he worked on a destoyer, escorting large convoys acrosse the Atlantic Ocean for invasion of Europe. When he came home, he went on to pursue a successful career as a master carpenter.

"He lifted the spirits of everyone he met," stated the obit. "He will truly be missed."

A wake will be held on Tuesday, June 4, and Wednesday, June 5, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:30 pm at 39 Hempstead Avenue in West Hempstead. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday June 6, at (24 Westminster Road, West Hempstead.)

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Thomas the Apostle Human Services division.

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