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The family of Vincent R. DeJohn uploaded a photo
Friday, September 15, 2017
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Todd Hunt and Family uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 1, 2016
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Buddy during WWII
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Todd Hunt and Family lit a candle
Thursday, September 1, 2016
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A symbol of Uncle Buddy's ability to light up another's spirit.
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Todd Hunt and Family posted a condolence
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Yesterday morning our Great Uncle Vincent "Buddy" DeJohn passed away. He was 94 years old. Uncle Buddy joined the U.S. Army prior to Pearl Harbor. After war was declared he got home for a short visit and then he shipped off to fight in North Africa, Sicily, and eventually across Omaha Beach and on into Czechoslovakia. He didn't get back home until the war was over, two-plus years of combat in places primarily known because of the pitched battles his hallowed unit, "The Big Red One", fought against a very well-trained, hardened German army.
Uncle Buddy served as a wireman, earning a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts during his service. Think of that--a wireman often "ran the lines" at night when communications went down. Why would comm' go down? Maybe it was a friendly soldier walking the perimeter innocently tripping on the wire, ruining the connection. Or, possibly, it was a group of German's probing the lines in preparation for an attack. It took a lot of guts to be a wireman--to keep going out to check the communication lines. Reading Uncle Buddy's medal citations gives you a sense of his selflessness and courage. One other note about his recognized heroics: young soldiers often didn't get recognized for actions under fire in WWII. Too often the pace and exertion of battle overwhelmed the leadership and they meant to put pencil to paper, but casualties, time, and developing requirements impinged upon them and a heroic action was lost to history and the few who bore witness. One can only imagine what Uncle Buddy did during battle that did not get recognized.
After the war Uncle Buddy married Aunt Thelma. What a beautiful and kind lady. Together Uncle Buddy and Aunt Thelma raised three great children. Uncle Buddy worked steadfastly for the gas company until retirement. Uncle Buddy's true heroics were saved for his wife, children, and grandchildren. As best he knew how, he was there for them and their successes are a reflection of his enduring influence and love.
Uncle Buddy had the most easy going, warm hearted nature. He laughed easily, told jokes, and was literally loved and welcome everywhere he went. His buddies and second family were all at the local VFW and Legion and he spent much of his free time soothing his experiences with men of similar steel and background. He only told two stories to me about his WWII experiences. One was about listening to General Patton one afternoon while sitting on a hillside, and the other was the time he went AWOL and ended up in the stockade, where he was given a bucket of beer by his buddies while he sat around watching his mates prepare for D-Day. He told that one story with equal gusto and laughter time and time again.
When Julie and I got married in 2000 Uncle Buddy got into a car and he made the trip to Quantico, VA to attend. Julie had never met Uncle Buddy but she fell in love with him upon meeting him. Over the years Julie often asked how he was doing. MY Uncle Buddy had that affect on people. I regret my children never got to know him.
We also regret we can't physically be there for everyone on this day to celebrate Uncle Buddy's life and mourn his passing. Like his sister, Leone, Uncle Buddy was a rock to his family. To others he was a friend to be treasured. RIP Uncle Buddy.
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James Wade posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Sam Denise and Scott ,
I am so sorry about your father, father in law and grandfather. He was such a great person and funny also. I always enjoyed talking with him. One time I said to him how much I enjoyed his clam chowder. I asked him for the recipe. He told me he really didn't have one, but he wrote down guesstimate. I still have it and use it when I make it at home. Reading his obituary I was amazed of his military service and medals. Heaven has gained a great person. Again I'm sorry for your loss.
Jim Wade
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Carol Zimmerman posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
So sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man. He was everyone's Granpa DeJohn
He will be surely missed now he is with his sweetheart in Heaven.
Prayers to the family.
Love
Carol
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Carole & Mike Wasielewski posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Sam & Kathy. Buddy was a great man. He will be missed by all. Sending prayers to all of your family that you may keep him in you hearts forever until you meet again.
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Geri John & Kristen Wallace posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
To the loving family of Bud, our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. He will truly be missed.
God Bless.
John, Geri & Kristen Wallace
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Kelly lit a candle
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
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Uncle Buddy-You were a wonderful man and my favorite relative! Love you, Kelly
Who We Are:
Where Family and Friends Celebrate Life and Heritage.
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Addison Funeral Home
262 N Main St
Angola, NY 14006
Phone: 716-549-1100
Fax: 716-549-2133