Stephen Robert Billo

Stephen Robert Billo, 85, of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Binghamton,
died Wednesday April 4, 2007, in Scottsdale after an extended illness. He was born in Binghamton, the son of Frank Billo and Ann (Antoni) Billo. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Rita Donahue Billo, and a close friend, Joann O'Hara Turner. He also was predeceased by his brother Frank W. Billo and a sister Ann Billo Komack. He is survived by his son, S. Robert Billo, Binghamton; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Rita Billo Brown and James H. Brown; grandchildren Genevieve Ann, Joseph James, Sean Michael and Mary Rita Brown, all of Scottsdale, AZ; He formerly worked with his family at Billo's Restaurant on Clinton Street, and was the owner of Billo's Wine and Liquor Store, Johnson City, NY. He was a member of St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church. Volunteering to defend his country in WWII, he joined the Fourth Marine Division, and after extensive training at Camp Pendleton, California, he embarked for the South pacific in January of 1944. He was active in the beach invasions of the Marshall Islands (Roi and Namu), Saipan, Tinian, and was severely wounded at Iwo Jima. He recuperated in Hawaii and was deactivated from his unit in November, 1945. For his contribution, he was rewarded the Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation Medal, along with other awards including two Presidential Citations and the Asia Pacific Campaign Medal with four Battle Stars. In Binghamton, he was a member of the Marine Corp. League, a 58 year member of American Legion Post # 1254, and was a member of their Last Man's Club, the 40 / 8, and the VFW. In Arizona, he was a member of American Legion Post #44, Veteran of Foreign War Post #3513, , and the D.A.V. Chapter #22. He enjoyed a long and deserved retirement interacting with his family and friends. He was always enthusiastic about his service in the Marine Corp. He moved to Scottsdale, AZ to enjoy pleasant weather and his grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 9:15 am at the Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, Inc., 137 Robinson Street, Binghamton, followed at 10:00 am with a Devine Liturgy at St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, Binghamton. Burial will be in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery, with full military honors being accorded by the Broome County Veteran's Memorial Association. Friends are invited to call Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home.