BRICK We will never forget the lives, times, and career of township native Angelo Sciacca, who died at the age of 100 during World War II.
Along with his WWII service, Sciacca had a special bond with the 99th Readiness Division of the Army Reserve, which is based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and is responsible for all administration, facilities, and supplies across the whole northeastern United States.
He was the oldest veteran in the 99th Readiness Division and was constantly recognized for his positive impact. He frequently attended their ceremonies and activities, including the commemoration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday in Philadelphia, where he was honored to cut the cake.
In a historical interview with the command historian of the 99th Readiness Division of the U.S. Army Reserve on October 16, 2024, Sciacca stated, “I can’t complain; my life was good.”
In the wake of the interview, he visited 99th soldiers at division headquarters at the Joint Base and told them about his Army days and his post-military life.
During his visit, Sciacca declared that the Army was the best thing our nation needed. I appreciate what you’re doing.
He enthralled the audience, who were appreciative of Sciacca’s time and presence but much more astounded by his recall of his life’s journey of 100 years.
During World War II, Sciacca was enlisted into the U.S. Army as an engineer. After completing his basic training at Fort Dix, he was sent to Le Shima, Japan.
The WWII veteran received the title of honorary Checkmate team member before to leaving the division’s headquarters.
According to Lt. Col. Chris Carbone, the Division’s civilian staff operations and training specialist, he was more than that—he was a brother.
According to Lt. Col. Carbone’s wife, Janine Carbone, who is Sciacca’s acquaintance, her husband refused to have Angelo’s remains taken to the funeral home without the assistance of soldiers.
Lt. Col. Carbone was determined to pay tribute to his brother-in-arms, so he took the initiative to arrange a respectful transfer of remains and led the division’s and Fort Dix NCO Academy’s men in organizing full military honors for Sciacca’s funeral.
I simply cannot find the right words to describe how Angelo was my idol, a member of the greatest generation, and a link to our past. Carbone went on.
Pat Vazquez said on Sciacca’s virtual homage wall online that his generation answered the call of duty and shaped the modern world. Sciacca served with pride, assisting in the construction and upkeep of airfields in the Pacific, and he quickly resumed his duties after returning home.
“I spent a week at home before going back to work at Van Vaanderan,” Sciacca stated in the historical interview. It held significance for me, as it did for my parents.
According to Vazquez, Sciacca became the factory manager after he resumed his career as a machinist and resigned in 1962. He was the epitome of the American ideal: industriousness, fortitude, and empathy.
“I’m glad to hear that he’s finally reunited with his beloved Ann, and I know his platoon was waiting at the Final Muster, completing their ranks again,” Carbone said.
According to his obituary, Sciacca was a spiritual patriarch who had an exceptionally optimistic attitude on life. He died last month and is survived by his son, Mark.
Soldier, your mission is over until we cross paths again. Carbone went on.
In Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, the 99th Readiness Division is in charge of over 51,000 Army Reserve Soldiers in over 550 units spread across 332 reserve-component facilities and 33 maintenance facilities.
