‘Without heroes, we are all plain people, and don't know how far we can go’ – Bernard Malamud, American novelist
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here was a time when teenage boys, barely adults, went into military service. “That’s just what they did,” said Michele Talarico Smith of Clarks Summit. She should know. Growing up in the Talarico family, Michele was aware that her dad and six of his brothers served their country during and around wartime. “There’s no wonder I hold the utmost respect and admiration for our veterans
have these heroes as members of my family.” Michele has welcomed many opportunities to work with homeless veterans to help meet their needs since she understands their challenges. She is married to Daniel J. Smith Sr. with whom she has two “wonderful” sons, including one who was recruited in the Army Reserves in college. Daniel’s father, Daniel Joseph Smith, was a navy pilot, killed in action on the aircraft carrier Bennington during World War II. He left behind a wife and three children, ages 3, 2 and 1. “My mother-in-law sought support from her family as people did back then. The government helped out and eventually she went to work.”
Growing up without a father was tragic for Daniel and his siblings. His loss is a painful reminder about how families back home sacrificed too. Many soldiers returning to civilian life after Joe Talarico war duty in foreign lands fought their own personal battles. as I have experienced “I saw this in my dad and their service, dedication and uncles as they tried to put the sacrifices firsthand. I have had tragedies of war behind them. the privilege and honor to It was good that they had each 74
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Francis Talarico
other to understand. I can’t imagine what my grandparents went through thinking about them and praying for their safety.” Michele sent us some information about her father and his brothers. “Anthony Peter Talarico passed away in February at 94 years old. He was the eldest brother of 13 children of James Anthony and Helen Talarico and grew up at 430 North Main Avenue in West Scranton. Uncle Tony was a Pacific Aircraft Controller in the Army Air Corps during the end of WWII. He enlisted at 18. My dad, Thomas James Talarico Sr. was the second eldest. He will be 93 in August and resides at the Gino Merli Center. He and his buddy, Matty, enlisted in the army at the age of 16 but were separated and headed out on May 2022
