| Photo In Uniform |
Service Details |
|
|
|
|
|
| Last Photo |
Personal Details
|
|
|
Home State
Massachusetts | |
|
Year of Birth
1944 |
| |
This Military Service Page was created/owned by
CW3 Richard Doty
to remember
Foscaldi, John Albert, PFC.
If you knew or served with this Soldier and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
|
| |
|
Contact Info
|
Home Town
Brothers Only |
Last Address
37 Osprey Drive
Cotuit, MA 02635
|
Date of Passing
Oct 31, 2022 |
|
Location of Interment
Massachusetts National Cemetery (VA) - Bourne, Massachusetts |
Wall/Plot Coordinates
Section F, Row 2, Site E23 |
|
|
Last Known Activity:
John A. Foscaldi SR, 77, passed away October 31, 2022. He was born in Brockton MA, received his GED to enlist in the United States Army. He was in the Armor Division and manned Sherman Tanks. John was a Vietnam Era veteran, and he received The National Service medal as well as commendations for sharp shooter. After his honorable discharge, John continued his career stepping into law enforcement. He worked as a Police Officer under both Brockton and Wareham Police Departments. He finally retired after working 12 years at Otis Air Force Base for The Department of Defense, where he proudly earned Top Gun for 6 of those 12 years.
Johns love of music and his talent of playing bass guitar and drums allowed for him to play in a few bands throughout his life. The most notable of his musical accomplishments was playing the opening set for the 1965 one hit wonder band "Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs", made famous for their song Wooly Bully. All of Johns children share their fathers love for music and have him to thank for their musical talents as he taught them guitar. He was a huge Beatles fan; owned all their records and would frequently request the Beatles be played when he was staying in the Bedford VA hospital.
Johns a quick wit, and dry sense of humor would have you both laughing and scratching your head at the same time. He was a proud converted Jewish man who loved his synagogue. He loved his family deeply and always had uplifting words of encouragement no matter the situation, you could go to him with anything.
Predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Maryann Foscaldi (Pike). John also leaves behind his 3 children; Gina Delaney and her husband Edward Delaney, sons John A. Foscaldi Jr; Joseph A Foscaldi, and his children's mother, Janet G Foscaldi, all of Plymouth. He is also survived by his sister Darlene Campisano, her husband Jack Campisano and their daughters Anita Singh and Nardia Campisano, his Grandchildren; Tayla Foscaldi, David Delaney, Erin Delaney, Francis Foscaldi, and Alexis Foscaldi and his Great Grandchildren; Jared, Sienna, CJ, Alice, and Cayden. In addition to his own children John also leaves behind 2 step sons; Robert Mendonca, and his wife Cristie Marceline, their children Clare, Aaliyah, Kaylee, and Kristian of Hyannis, Richard Mendonca of Las Vegas.
John will forever be loved and missed by all who had the pleasure to call him a friend or family.
Arrangements are under the care of Bartlett Funeral Home. Visitation will take place Wednesday November 9, 2022 from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Funeral Home, 338 Court St, Plymouth MA 02360. Interment will be at 2pm at The Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne MA.
Obituary lovingly written by the family of John Foscaldi, Sr
|
| |
Other Comments:
Prior to the DoD Police, I was a patrolman on the Brockton School Police from 1972 to 1980. We patroled 52 schools, and a high school with a day time enrollment of 5,000.
The last job I had was as a Title 5 Civilian, attached to the Department of the Air Force. As a Dept. of Defense Police Officer.
I was commissioned Sept. 3, 1980. Had a stroke in 1995, was forced to retire in 1996 because I was unable to pass my yearly physical.
I was stationed at Otis AFB on Cape Cod for 16 years. Couldn't get transferred out to save
my life.
|
| |
|
|
|
Reflections on PFC Foscaldi's
US Army Service
|
| |
|
TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY?
I had just turned seventeen in November 1961, and still in high school. Two months into the 11th grade the faculty decided to make my major "History", instead of accounting. I advised the head master where he could put his books, walked out the front door, down the street, and into the multiple recruitment office. I first spoke to the Marine Recruiter about joining. Since I was only five feet tall and weighed 120 lbs., he just smiled and pointed to the Army Recruiter. I enlisted, with my fathers permission, and chose Armor Crewman. My uncle was a tanker in the army, he was KIA on Anzio Beach and I wanted to follow in foot steps and be a Tanker.And that I did, enlisted/sworn in on December 3rd 1961, delayed entry unit to February 1962.
|
TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO FOR BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
My intention was to make the Army a carer, but life got in the way.
The first two weeks of boot camp were a little rough for me. No, not the training. I witnessed three kids commit suicide, and found my new best friend dead in his bunk. I ended up in the hospital for a couple of weeks, then recycled back into boot camp. I managed to complete boot camp and armor crewman school at Fort Knox KY. I was enjoying being in the Army, but... the day after I graduated armor school, my father had a massive heart attack. He used the "Only Son" rule with a local politician and I was transferred from Regular Army, to the Active Ready Army Reserves to serve the remainder of my three year hitch. Stayed with this reserve unit and completed my reserve time in 1966.
For another time; I was drafted back into the Army in 1970!
|
IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
First let me explain: Thanks to the army's clerical staffing I have military records in three social security numbers, and to serial number ie; RA and ER
As far as combat, I have some bits and pieces of memories that suggest that something of that nature happened to me. And yes, I am a VA mental health patient because of these issue's.
I was officially diagnosed with "Defuse Cerebral Atrophy" this year. That is, brain damage from too many hits to the head.
I've recently, this past year, was able to find my orders sending me to Vietnam in November 1970. And of course these orders are with one of my other SSAN. As far as being in country, I don't remember getting there, and have just few memories leaving me to believe that I at least stepped foot in Vietnam.
So much for a military career.
|
OF ALL THEIR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY HE/SHE HAD FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS THEIR LEAST FAVORITE?
The only duty station I remember is ending up at Fort Hood TX. I was with B Co. 1st BN 81st Armor 1st Armored Division. I was assigned to this unit in December of 1970. The unit was in the process of packing up and going state side when I was assigned to this outfit. The Army retired our colors in March 1971.
|
FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
I learned to Not know anyone's name unless I was around them for at least six months.
It was on a day in March 1962, at the rifle range at Fort Dix. For the first time i held and fired an M1 Gerand. I did a fifteen hundred feet, with an 8 knot cross wind and never missed. Shocked the hell out of me too
|
WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE HE/SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF FROM HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE?
Nothing special for me here. Only have the National Defense medal and a sharpshooters badge.
Unknown if anything else because of my military records being so screwed up.
|
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
I can't talk about what I can't prove. As far as I know, I'm just another shmuck.
|
IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
My new best friend that died. Don't even remember his name. I learned how fragile life can be.
|
ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
After making so many friends on TWS, some of my good memories are coming back.
|
IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
I first worked at General Dynamic Elect Bout for several yeas as a marine electrician. Then I went into Law Enforcement.
7yrs with the Brockton MA School Police.
5yrs with the Wareham Police Department, part time.
Was sworn in on September 3rd 1980 as a uniformed federal law enforcement officer with the Department of Defense Police. Stationed at the Otis AFB on Cape Cod for sixteen years.
Had a stroke and had to retire in 1996.
Presently, just retired disabled.
|
IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
I was with the Vietnam Veterans of America up until this year. I am presently suffering from an Italian medical condition known as "myfundsarelow"
|
IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
I survive whether I want to or not. It's an automatic reflex.
|
IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
Make sure that you have a hard copy of all your military records. Trust me, you'll come to need them at some point in your life.
|
HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
 | | TWS and the US Air Force |
I'm just crossing that road right now. So far, it looks like I might have found me a home. Yes, I have found myself a home. Forgot what it was like to talk to people that understand. DS 3/15/17
|
|
