F.W. GRIGG AMERICAN LEGION POST 68 - Mercntville NJ - Pennauken NJ

The F.W. Grigg Post 68 of the American Legion has been active in Merchantville since the early 1920s. The Post is named after Corporal Frederick W. Grigg, who had grown up in Merchantville as one of ten children and had served with General Pershing in Mexico prior to America's entry into World War I in 1917. Corporal Grigg was killed in action in October of 1918, one of four Merchantville men to make the Supreme Sacrifice for their country during World War I. The post received its temporary charter on August 13, 1919, and was formally chartered on March 21, 1921.

For many years the Post kept a home at 1 West Chestnut Avenue in Merchantville. In more recent times Post 68 has met at the Merchantville Community Center, at the foot of Greenleigh Court, off of Maple Avenue. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.

Over the past 80-plus years the F.W. Grigg Post 68 has compiled a long and distinguished record of serving the community of Merchantville and Pennsauken and the veterans community at-large. The Post sponsored one of the largest Boy Scout Troops in Camden County during the 1920s and 1930s, and for many years organized a Memorial Day Parade through the town. In 1950 the Post was instrumental in having the Park at Wellwood and Maple Avenues named Wellwood Memorial Park in honor of those who served had in all of her past conflicts.

Today the Post is active in advancing educational activities in the local schools, funding projects relating to disabled veterans, and sponsoring the annual Memorial Day ceremonies at Wellwood Memorial Park. The theme for the 2009 event will be Pearl Harbor.

In 21st Century America our Country needs us as never before, not to fight, but to provide an example of what men and women of good character can and should do for their towns and neighborhoods. If you've served active duty in the armed forces during any of the war eras and have been honorably discharged or are still servicing, you are eligible for membership in The American Legion and WE WANT YOU. Although our Post is based in Merchantville, all those eligible are welcome. We especially would like to hear from those in Pennsauken and East Camden and nearby communities where veterans groups have not been active.

Please contact our Post Commander, Bernie Henderson, with any comments or questions by e-mail at americanlegionpost68@yahoo.com or by phone at 856-488-6248, or this site's web-master, Phil Cohen.

Post 68's Activities - 2009 Who we are is far less important than what we do. The American Legion and Post 68 offers men and women who have served their country in uniform opportunities to serve their country and community after the days of their military service has passed.
	At the February meeting, Adjustant Bob Disch reported that the the Mail box that the Post has been working to procure in order for individuals to properly dispose of worn American Flags was being painted. Bob brought this photo of the box to the March 12, 2009 meeting. As you can see, painting then was almost complete. The box has been located in the immediate vicinity of Merchantville's city hall on Maple Avenuen and is presently in use. No date has been set for its dedication as yet.
A motion was passed at the February meeting to send a check to the PFC Giordano Detachment, Military Support Group of New Jersey to help cover the cost of mailing packages to our deployed troops in the Middle East. The Post received the following letter of thanks from Karen Jennings, who coordinates the group's package program.
	A Flag Disposal Ceremony was scheduled to be held at the Burrough-Dover House in Pennsauken on Saturday the 13^th of June this year. We will need volunteers for this service and at least one day of practice prior to the event. Joe Fitzpatrick will help coordinate this event.
The Cherry Hill Post 372 hosted the traveling Vietnam Wall from April 16^th – 19^th. , 2009. Post 68 was well represented at the memorial service. Click here for pictures from the event.
At our Meeting, Post officers for 2009 were installed. A photo of the 2009-2010 officers was taken, and plans were made for our Memorial Day week activities. During Memorial Day week, Post members planted flags and grave markers on the graves of veterans and war dead at New Camden Cemetery and at the small cemetery on Haddonfield Road north of Park Avenue in Pennsauken.
May 26, 2009 Memorial Day Ceremony at Wellwood Memorial Park Click Here for Pictures of the day's events
Post 68 sponsors educational activities for the schoolchildren in our community. Entries have been received from middle-school students at the public and parochial schools in Merchantville for this year's American Legion Safety Essay contest and from elementary school students for the American Legion Coloring contest. Awards will be made prior to the end of the school year.

2009-2010 OFFICERS

COMMANDER	Bernie Henderson
DEPUTY COMMANDER	Nicholas Di Grosso
VICE COMMANDER	Albert Baines
VICE COMMANDER	Joseph Fitzpatrick
FINANCE OFFICER	Phillip Cohen
ADJUTANT	Robert Disch
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT	Jeff Brown
SERVICE OFFICER	Barney Vellutello
HISTORIAN	Daniel Swinderman
CHAPLAIN	Barney Vellutello
ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN	William Howell
JUDGE ADVOCATE	Joseph Zampino
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS	Tom Young
ASSISTANT SERGEANT-AT-ARMS	Joseph Fitzpatrick
ASSISTANT SERGEANT-AT-ARMS	Albert Baines
ASSISTANT SERGEANT-AT-ARMS	Joseph Baltz
DELEGATES TO THE COUNTY	Tom Young
DELEGATES TO THE COUNTY	Nick Rossi
DELEGATES TO THE COUNTY	Robert Disch
ALTERNATE DELEGATES	Albert Baines
ALTERNATE DELEGATES	Joseph Baltz
DELEGATES TO THE COUNTY	Joseph Baltz

2009-2010 COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EDWARD HILL	ALBERT BAINES

TRUSTEES
NICHOLAS DI GROSSO	Term Expires 2014
WILLIAM HOWELL	Term Expires 2013
JOSEPH ZAMPINO	Term Expires 2012
ALBERT SANFLIPPO	Term Expires 2011
BARNEY VELLUTELLO	Term Expires 2010

AMERICANISM COMMITTEES
JOSEPH FITZPATRICK	NICHOLAS J. DIGROSSO, SR

BOYS STATE


SAFETY ESSAY
ROBERT DISCH	NICHOLAS J. DIGROSSO, SR


ORATORICAL
NICHOLAS J. DIGROSSO, SR

MEMBERSHIP
NICHOLAS J. DIGROSSO, SR

MEMORIAL DAY
BARNEY VELLUTELLO

COLORING CONTEST
EDWARD HILL

COMMISSARY
ALBERT BAINES	JOSEPH FITZPATRICK
JOSEPH BALTZ
ALL MEMBERS WILL TAKE A TURN WITH COMMISSARY

We Salute or Comrades Who Have Gone to Post Everlasting 2008-2009

Armond Damiani

Damiani, Armond N.

On April 25 2008 age 87 of Pennsauken NJ. Born in Camden NJ he served with the US Marine Corps during WWII. Armond was also the operator of the Tom Thumb Restaurant in Camden and the Lakeview Restaurant in Moorestown for many years. He was the beloved husband of Bertha (nee Mohollen) and is also survived by one sister Enis Curcio of Haddon Twp two sisters-in-law Helen Roche of Collingswood and Dorothy Mohollen of Cherry Hill and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing and funeral Friday morning after 8:30 AM in the ALLOWAY FUNERAL HOME 315 E. Maple Ave. Merchantville NJ. Funeral Mass 10:00 AM St. Peter Church Merchantville NJ. Interment Calvary Cemetery.

Roland Bittle

Bittle Sr., Roland S.

Age 86 of Hainesport passed away Tuesday May 20 2008 at Lourdes Speciality Hospital Willingboro after a lengthy illness. Born in Camden NJ he lived forty-five years in Mt. Ephraim and was a resident of Hainesport for the past forty-one years. He was a graduate of Audubon High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II during which he was stricken with polio. He worked for Radio Condenser in Camden New York Shipyard Camden and was an employee of Automotive Rentals Inc. in Merchantville until his retirement. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hainesport F.W. Grigg American Legion Post 68 Merchantvlle the New Jersey Polio Network and the DAV. He enjoyed boating fishing and camping with family. Despite many obstacles throughout his long and eventful life he faced each day with unwavering courage cheerful optimism and a caring spirit and was much loved and admired by family friends and even casual acquaintances. Roland is survived by his wife of 54 years Erika his son Roland Jr. and wife Donna son Richard and fiancee Dorothy Wells daughter Merrilee Torres and husband Ricardo; three grandsons Jayme Torres and Steven and Andrew Bittle; his sister-in-law Eleanor Flynn; four nieces Karen Canfield Michelle Fisher Barbara McKee and Virginia Jock; six nephews Elmer Clifton Robert Gary and Marvin Bittle as well as nineteen grandnieces and grandnephews; and several great-grandnieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday May 23 2008 11AM at THE LANKENAU FUNERAL HOME 31 Elizabeth St. Pemberton Borough. Interment with military honors will be Odd Fellows Cemetery Pemberton Borough. There will be a viewing and visitation 7:00 to 9:00 PM Thursday eve and 10:00 to 11:00 AM Friday at the funeral home.

Leonard L. Tomassone

Tomassone, Leonard L.

On August 18 2008. Age 88. Of Mt. Laurel NJ. Beloved husband of 62 years to Edith(nee Cataldi). Devoted of father Laura and her husband Bob Rogers. Loving grandfather of Cynthia Amy and Matthew Rogers. Dear brother of Theresa and her husband Frank Marcellino. Leonard will also be missed by many loving cousins nieces and nephews. Leonard served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was involved with the invasions of North Africa Sicily and Northern Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his contributions to our country. He was the past national president of the 9th Infantry Division and a member of the Frederick W. Grigg Post #68 American Legion where he served as a past commander. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday August 21st from 7-9 PM and 8:15-9:15 AM at the BRADLEY FUNERAL HOME Rt.73 and Evesham Rd. Marlton NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Friday at The Catholic Church of St. Isaac Jogues 3 Lord Place Marlton NJ 08053. Interment Brigadier William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery Wrightstown NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent dePaul (SVDP) Conference of St. Isaac Jogues Church or the St. Isaac Jogues Building Fund.

Anthony Repice

Repice Sr., Anthony

On September 12th 2008 age 92 years of Merchantville NJ. He was born in Philadelphia PA. Beloved husband of the late Louise (nee Cirucci) Repice. Dear father of Anthony (Marian) Repice of Marlton NJ; Maryann (Marty) Repice of Burlington Township NJ; and Lorraine (Chuck) Corson of Cherry Hill NJ. Loving grandfather of Chad (Valentina); the late Jon and Stephen (Jen) and loving great grandfather of Ana Maria. Tony was a Real Estate Broker and owned Repice Agency Merchantville NJ. He was a member of St. Peter's RC Church of Merchantville NJ for 52 years. He served our country during World War II in the US Army and served in Germany as part of the Occupation Army. He was a 51 year member and Past Commander of F.W. Grigg Post American Legion. He was a long time member of the Merchantville Lions Club. He was very active in his community over the years; was a member of The Merchantville Republican Club The Merchant-ville Historical Society The Merchantville Planning Board the AARP The Jets and the Pioneers. His Viewing and Family Visitation will begin 9:30am Wednesday at St. Peter's RC Church 43 West Maple Avenue Merchantville NJ followed by his Mass in celebration of his life. No evening viewing or visitation. Interment Calvary Cemetery Cherry Hill NJ. Arrangements under the direction of The STEPHENSON-BROWN FUNERAL HOME of Merchantville NJ.

Alfred Tornari

Tornari, Alfred J.

TORNARI, Alfred J. On Jan. 30, 2009, age 84, of Pennsauken NJ. Beloved husband of Angela (nee Iula) for 60 years and devoted father of Mark, Steven(Tammy) and Deborah (Richard) Harrell. Loving grandfather of Michelle (Rudy), Steven (Donna), Jessica (Tim), Keith (Fallon), Steven Jr., Nicole, Kayla, Angelina and 7 great-grandchildren. Alfred was a WW II Navy Veteran serving on the U.S.S. Delta, loyal parishioner and usher of St. Peter Church for 59 years, St. Peter K of C # 6735, Bishop McCarthy Assembly and F.W. Grigg American Legion Post 68. Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend his Visitation Wednesday 8:30-9:30 AM at the FUNERAL HOME OF INGLESBY & SONS, 2426 Cove Road. Pennsauken NJ 08109. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM St. Peter's Church Ent. Calvary Mausoleum.

Joseph A. Siano

Siano, Joseph A.

On December 1 2008 of Pennsauken NJ for 50 years. Age 88. Beloved husband of the late Kathryn (nee Lenart). Devoted father of Joseph A.M. Siano and his wife Susan. Loving grandfather of Louis and Douglas. Dear brother of Margaret Agnoni Adeline Valenti and Roslyn Galasso. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Prior to retirement Mr. Siano was employed at Penn Panel & Box Company in Collingdale PA for over 40 years. He was a United States Coast Guard Veteran of WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Sons of Italy Young at Heart as well as many other Senior groups in the area. He was also an usher at St. Stephen's Church. Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Thursday from 7-9 PM at the FALCO/CARUSO & LEONARD PENNSAU- KEN FUNERAL HOME 6600 N. Browning Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at the Church of St. Stephen 6300 Browning Rd. in Pennsauken. Interment Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Mem. Cem. in Arneytown NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society P.O. Box 5147 Trenton NJ 08638-0147.

Walter Carson

Carson Sr., Walter M.

CARSON, Walter M., Sr. On February 2, 2009, age 85, of Pennsauken for 31 years. Beloved husband of Dorinda (nee Todd) and dear father of Rindy (Bill) Seniff of Maple Shade, Bud (Susan) Carson of Stratford and Cheri (John) Connelly of Pennsauken. Loving pop of Kim, Dan, Rob, Kristen, John, Tayler and Colleen. Mr. Carson was a kind gentle man who loved his family and his church. He was a member of Calvary Community Baptist Church, a Navy WW II Veteran, serving on the USS Waterman DE and a member of F.W. Griggs American Legion Post # 88. Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend his Visitation Thursday 10-11AM AM at the FUNERAL HOME OF INGLESBY & SONS, 2426 Cove Road. Pennsauken NJ 08109. Funeral Service 11 AM. Interment Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken NJ. In lieu of flowers donations to the Church at 1706 Merchantville Ave. Pennsauken NJ 08110 preferred.

AMERICAN LEGION LINKS
The American Legion
American Legion Department of New Jersey
Camden County Posts
Haddonfield Memorial Post 38 Haddonfield NJ	Stetser-Lamartine Post 281 Glendora NJ
Cherry Hill Post 372 Cherry Hill NJ	Memorial Post 274 Camden NJ (Inactive)

Of Local Interest
Camden County NJ - Monuments & War Memorials
Merchantville, New Jersey War Memorial
Camden County War Dead Index

PFC Giordano Detachment, Military Support Group of New Jersey

Griffith-Morgan House - Pennsauken, New Jersey
Burrough-Dover House & the Pennsaaken Historical Society - Pennsauken, New Jersey

The FLAG DROP at Merchantville Borough Hall


Click on Image to Enlarge


March 12, 2008: Commander Bernie Henderson (left) and Adjutant Bob Disch Click on Image to Enlarge

	Fallen Heros Sgt. Sidney Cohen was the first soldier from Camden County to lose his life in Vietnam. He was killed in action at the La Drang Valley on November 15, 1965. Below: Sgt. Cohen's brother, Bob Cohen, and Bob's wife Elaine.