Robert Naimoli’s war accolades were never a part of his gravesite in Middle
Village until surviving relatives had that changed over the weekend.
Photos courtesy Michael Naimoli
Robert Naimoli’s legacy and heroic sacrifice during World War II was
memorialized over the weekend in Middle Village. Photos courtesy Michael Naimoli
It was a long 70 years, but Michael Naimoli said his family finally has closure.
Middle Village came together Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Robert M. Naimoli, a paratrooper from the 101st Airborne who died 70 years ago at the age of 25 during the allied invasion of Normandy, France, otherwise known as D-Day. Michael, Robert’s great nephew, said it was fitting to honor such a hero with such a warming ceremony alongside friends and family.
“For the family, Saturday’s memorial was like closure for us. This great uncle of mine was in that grave almost 70 years unknown and unacknowledged,” he said. “We were overwhelmed. The whole event took on a life of its own.”
Robert Naimoli’s plane was gunned down in France during World War II,
killing him and many others. Photos courtesy Michael Naimoli
Private First Class Robert Naimoli’s plane was shot down over Picauville France on June 6, 1944. He died along with 19 other Americans on board. His body remained in France until 1948, when he was brought back to his family in Brooklyn before being buried in Queens.
Robert Naimoli received a Purple Heart for his sacrifice after his
plane was shot down in France. Photos courtesy Michael Naimoli
He earned a Purple Heart for his sacrifice.
Relatives said his immediate family never added his name and other specifics to his headstone, until surviving family members discovered this recently and decided to bring closure to his name.
“It was a beautiful day. It was a moving day,” Michael Naimoli said. “Emotionally, the family couldn’t have asked for a more fitting day for our great uncle.”
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) joined alongside community organizations Saturday at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village to honor the war hero.
“I was truly humbled to join the Naimoli family this past weekend in remembrance of Private First Class Robert M. Naimoli,” Ulrich said. “Robert lost his life 70 years ago rescuing a continent from the clutches of Nazism in an operation that turned the tide of war. The selfless sacrifice of Robert and so many of his comrades does not go unnoticed, and because of the surviving family’s efforts, Robert can now rest in peace with full military honors.”
Anthony Naimoli, Robert’s great nephew, has two sons in the Marines. Photos courtesy Michael Naimoli
Anthony Naimoli, of Long Island, who has two sons in the Marines, was one of the surviving relatives to realize his great uncle’s grave did not have his honors included. He and his brother Michael, who lives in Ozone Park, came together to organize the fitting ceremony last weekend.
“It was refreshing to us to know there are still a lot of people out there who care about World War II vets,” Michael Naimoli said. “The sacrifices they made for all of us will not be forgotten.”
Michael Naimoli said Ulrich delivered a fitting and emotional speech at the ceremony on Saturday and was proud to call him his representative in the City Council.
“It was very heartfelt and very moving,” he said. “It was appropriate and fitting for him to be there, given his experience working as chairman of the Veterans Committee.”
Naimoli thanked several Queens organizations who helped come together in the planning of the dedication ceremony, including the Howard Beach Kiwanis and the Ozone Park American Legion hall. He also said he was thankful to see the United States Volunteers present the color guard for the afternoon.
“We could not have asked for a better ceremony,” he said. “We have closure now. It’s going to continue as we move forward.”
By Phil Corso
