Robert Persichitti

Robert Persichitti grew up in the great depression era and was a member of Roosevelt’s New Deal Program and the Civilian Conservation Corps. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a 2/C Radioman 2nd Class on the command ship USS Eldorado. His tour of duty included the Pacific Theater, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guam.

In 1965, as a carpentry teacher in the Rochester, New York schools, he began pursuing his advanced degree through SUNY Oswego as a nontraditional student, traveling to campus during the evenings and summers to take courses throughout the late 1960’s. He ultimately completed his degree through SUNY Buffalo in 1972.

In 2013, Sigma Gamma brother, Allen DeCarlo ’85 encouraged his American History students to write to Mr. Persichitti following his Honor Flight of Rochester Mission 29. He has been coming into the classes at Pittsford Mendon High School ever since to talk with students about his life experiences and role in WWII. The students have firsthand access to a rare and historical gift.

Mr. Persichitti wrote his autobiography, Building an American Life, generously donating signed copies to high school history teachers, school libraries and Honor Flight Rochester.

He attended the “Soaring Valor” trip to the WWII Museum in New Orleans sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the “Tour of the Pacific” sponsored by the WWII Museum, along with Al DeCarlo as his guardian.

Since attending Rochester Honor Flight Mission 29, he has been active in supporting the goals of this program, working tirelessly as a diplomat gaining both financial and participatory support.

At 97 years old, he is an inspiration to us all! We want to thank him for his service to our country—both then and now.