Information and Photos Submitted by John Giammetta
By Jennifer Ersalesi
On April 21st, a special Local Veteran and Hero from Rutherford celebrated his 94th birthday. Due to the pandemic crisis, this celebration involved standing six feet apart and wearing face masks. While adhering to social distancing rules, Mayor Frank Nunziato, Councilmen Ray Guzman, Thomas Mullahey, and Mark Goldsack, Captain Patrick Feliciano, members of the Rutherford Ambulance Corps, Commander Charles Gunn of American Legion Post 453, Robert Hansen of American Legion Post 109, the Rutherford Fire Department and family visited Anthony Giammetta outside his home to honor this very special man.
Councilman Ray Guzman told This is Rutherford, "It was an honor to be there to celebrate Mr. Gaimmetta. His family thanked us and said they talked about how amazing it was all day. They were so happy. I explained that our efforts to celebrate and recognize him pale in comparison to what he's done for our country."
Robert Hansen from American Legion Post 109 read the Proclamation signed by Mayor Frank Nunziato which honored Anthony Giammetta for his service to our country and declared April 21st Anthony Giammetta Day. Although he was unable to shake Mr. Giammetta's hand, due to the current health crisis, Mr. Hansen saluted him, shared his gratitude for his service, and wished him a very happy birthday.
Anthony Giammetta was born on April 21, 1926, at his home, which was built by his grandfather on Green Avenue in Lyndhurst NJ. He was the second oldest child of four boys. He and his older brother, Michael served during WWII. Anthony enlisted in the Army Air Corps right out of high school on August 4, 1944, and was honorably discharged in July of 1946. He remained active in the Army Air Corps Reserves from 1946-1950.
After completing his basic training in Wichita Falls Texas, Anthony was shipped to Le Havre, Normandy, France, Frankfurt, Germany, and Bavaria, Germany where he served on the 357 Fighter Squadron in the Ninth Air Force. He was recalled for the Korean War 1950-1951 in the Air Force and made the rank of Staff Sergeant. Both of his younger brothers, John and Arthur served in the Korean War as well.
Anthony has never taken off his dog tags since serving his country. After serving his time in the Korean War he came home and worked for his grandfather’s company, Giammetta and Sons Trucking & Rigging where he worked for over 40 years.
On February 21, 1954, Anthony married Ann Mauro from Fairview, NJ. They built their home on Riverside Terrace in Rutherford NJ where they raised their three children, Lynn, John, and Patrice. Today, Anthony has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Sadly, Ann passed away in September of 1998. Anthony Giammetta has lived in his home on Riverside Terrace for the last sixty years.
Councilman Ray Guzman explained, "World War II Vets are special to me. My Father-in-Law, Lt. Colonel Donald E. Lundberg, served in World War II as well. I am glad that we can still celebrate and show our appreciation for our war veterans. I was so grateful that we were able to recognize, celebrate, and honor Mr. Anthony Giammetta."
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