PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Joseph C. Fitzsimmons

US Army Air Corps
WWII Veteran

Latham, NY - 08/13/2022

***UPDATED 12 August 2022 - 14:00 Hrs***
Primary Staging Location and Time
Changed - See Updates Below

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Joseph C. Fitzsimmons has requested Patriot Guard Rider participation in his military honors funeral services. Joseph, 100, passed on August 8, 2022.

A 1940 graduate of Vincentian Institute, Joseph worked at the Watervliet Arsenal until he enlisted in the US Army on 8 October 1942. He was trained as an Aerial Engineer (MOS 2750), and performed duties as a Flight Engineer and Crew Chief on C-47s during World War II, carrying paratroops and towing glider infantry in Europe with the 437th Airborne Troop Carrier Command. He was awarded the Air Medal with 4 Oak leaf clusters for participation in airborne invasions in Normandy on D-Day, southern France, Ardennes, Central Europe, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Holland, the Rhine River crossing and for re-supply by dropping para-packs to the surrounded 101st Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Technical Sergeant on 5 September 1945.

The GI bill enabled Joe to graduate from Siena College in 1948. A degree in business led to employment at Albany Savings Bank, retiring after 36 years in 1984 as Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

Patriot Guard Riders are honored to have the opportunity to stand for the life and service of "Greatest Generation" hero, Joseph C. Fitzsimmons.

Portions of the above narrative are contained in Joseph's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

UPDATED
08/13/2022 at 08:45am

Staging Location:

UPDATED
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church
498 Watervliet Shaker Road
Latham, NY 12110

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

518-669-3358

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: NYS Guidelines of 2 March 2022, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.

Special Information:

Staging is at the church with a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. There will be a one hour visitation from 09:00 - 10:00 am followed by a funeral mass. Upon conclusion, riders will escort the cortege to St. Agnes Cemetery for interment with military honors.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.