5 minute read
Military Heroes
– Bernard Malamud, American novelist HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
There 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
as I have experienced their service, dedication and sacrifices firsthand. I have had the privilege and honor to 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 war duty in foreign lands fought their own personal battles. “I saw this in my dad and uncles as they tried to put the tragedies of war behind them. It was good that they had each 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
Joe Talarico Francis Talarico
different ships during World War II. My dad often talked about his army experiences. One story that always amazed me was that he had no basic training. It was ‘here’s your rifle’ and that was it. Although my dad was a successful skilled carpenter by trade, he always regretted not finishing high school. A few years ago, all World War II veterans who did not have a high school diploma, received an honorary diploma. I think that was one of the happiest days of his life. My dad’s son, Thomas James Talarico Jr. also served in the Army, as did his two grandsons, T.J. and Jason Talarico. My dad’s grandson, Daniel Joseph Smith, (my son) served in the Army Reserves. Vincent Talarico has passed away. He enlisted in the Air Force at 19, and was a staff sergeant stationed in Rome, New York for most of the 21 years he served. He had the opportunity to be stationed in Greece for a period and often mentioned the beauty there. Uncle Vince served two tours in Vietnam and sometimes would discuss the horror there. Joseph Paul Talarico, 89 years old, lives at home in South Scranton and has family dinner every Sunday. He served in the National Guard in Scranton at 14 years old. He enlisted at 17 years old and was an 82nd airborne paratrooper in the Korean War. He met and married his wife, Mary Lou, who was a nurse during wartime. Francis Paul Talarico enlisted at 19. He currently resides in Elmhurst. He served in the Air Force. Upon discharge he secured a position at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and retired from there. I always remember him coming home on leave and thinking how handsome he was in his uniform. At that time, you wore your uniform in public if you were active. He also had an 18month tour in Turkey. James Anthony Talarico II enlisted at 19 in the Army. He has passed on but his brother, my Uncle Michael said that Uncle Vince and Uncle Jimmy actually met up in Greece when Uncle Jimmy’s fleet stopped there during a Navy Mediterranean Cruise tour. Michael Anthony Talarico enlisted at 19. He lives in South Carolina and is one of the youngest of the brothers. He served in the Army 3rd Infantry Division and was trained in
artillery. He was stationed in Oklahoma and then in Germany. Since he was close to my age, I remember more clearly his leaving.” Michele noted that the youngest Talarico brothers, Paul and John, attempted to enlist but were denied due to health issues. Michele was raised in West Scranton, the daughter of Mary Jimmy Talarico with his nephew Tommy and Thomas J. Talarico Sr. “I thought about (joining) the Army, but as a young girl, I knew I was limited physically, so I went into the helping profession. I was a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Supervisor for Lackawanna County for 28 years from which I retired. Currently, I’m a Guardianship Program Director for Serving Seniors Inc.” Happenings salutes the Talarico family as well as the Smith family and all our heroes in the military for their service to our country. H T.J. Talarico
- Christine Fanning
