Vincent Speranza

1925 - 2023

Vincent Speranza obituary, 1925-2023

Vincent Speranza

1925 - 2023

BORN

1925

DIED

2023

Vincent Speranza Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Aug. 3 to Aug. 4, 2023.

Vincent Speranza was a paratrooper during World War II who carried beer in his helmet for a wounded friend during the Battle of the Bulge.

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(Photo: LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

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Not sure what to say?

June 2, 2025

Kathleen Reese Hacking posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2025

jonny Mitchell posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2025

Randal Underhill posted to the memorial.

42 Entries

Kathleen Reese Hacking

June 2, 2025

An amazing and delightful person, thank you Sir for your service. May you always be remembered

jonny Mitchell

May 27, 2025

Sir May you rest in peace and thank you for your service Sir .RIP x

Randal Underhill

May 9, 2025

Thinking about you on VE Day Vinnie. Hope the Scotch is good where you are, and the singing never stops. All the Way!

David Markheim

May 6, 2025

Rest in peace Vincent. You´re a hero in my book! Along with all the others who served.

Dave Cahill

September 11, 2024

Thank you for your service Vincent, kind regards Dave Cahill, Dublin, Ireland

Camille DiClerico

June 6, 2024

I just found out that Mr. Speranza died. I was a student at Curtis Curtis High School, (Staten Island NY) when he began his teaching career. He made such a difference to us (the students). RIP Mr. Speranza. Camille DiClerico

Lou Moriarty

May 31, 2024

God rest his Soul. Thank you for your service, Vincent. My Grandfather was British Navy in WW2. Like Vincent, he made the end of the war. In many ways Vincent reminded me of him. Charismatic, a man of honour and a character who I imagine is sorely missed on family occasions. A generation the likes of which we will never see again. May your family be proud of your role in history.

Russell Flammia

January 14, 2024

I never met Vincent, but I watched one of his u-tubes and was just blowed away by his story and mannerism. The father's gratefulness for coming to the US was touching as was Vincent's entire story. A by chance series of events turned out to be a true blessing to him, his family, and many others. What a gem of a guy. May you rest in peace Vincent

Leonard E. Cox

December 9, 2023

Paisano, I just saw your interview. You brought honor, not shame, to your family. Airborne beer! From one Vet to another, you were part of our greatest generation, as was my father.

Don Housley

November 12, 2023

thank you Vince for your service and your beautiful stories. Wish I could have met you. my dad was there with Patton , I wish he had told more stories while he was alive. He was with Capt MacAlosa and did tell a few stories. Would love to hear more from your family, info on your book,

Randal Underhill

September 6, 2023

Vinny was a tremendous man. Funny, engaging and creative. His songs, tales of his life and poems will be missed by all. Always a patriot, he loved to pass on his love and pride of being a Screaming Eagle. I know he is still singing and in fine company.

Chris

August 28, 2023

Till Valhalla my Brother. Rest easy we have the watch.

Mcdonald

August 9, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Robert E. Singer

August 8, 2023

I first met Vince in 1963 when I was a sophomore at Curtis High School, Staten Island, New York. He was my history teacher for 2 courses and, in my senior year, he was faculty advisor to the Student Council, of which I was a member. He was a remarkable teacher who was beloved and respected by his students and fellow teachers alike. His wartime service was never mentioned. In 2020, after the passage of 55 years, I reconnected with Vince and had the pleasure of sharing time and creating some memories with him. He was a blessing, in the truest sense of the word, to all who knew him or who knew of him. He was kind, spirited, honorable, a devoted husband, father, friend and patriot and, to the day of his passing, he remained a once-in-a-lifetime teacher who never stopped teaching.

Sean Gilmartin

August 8, 2023

Sean Gilmartin

August 8, 2023

Sean Gilmartin

August 8, 2023

It was an honor and a privilege to meet you uou and get to speak with you on those few occasions. You touched so many lives during the war and in your career, plus everything you've done since then for your community and fellow veterans. Men like you are one in a million. Rest well, Vince, and God bless

John Merchant

August 8, 2023

I never met Mr Speranza but I watched many of his videos on YouTube. He was a good man, war hero, American Patriot. I am sad about his death and I appreciate the sacrifices that he and his comrades made to keep USA free.

American Citizen

August 6, 2023

God bless this American hero! Thank you for your sacrifices and dedication!

Stephanie O'Neill Snow

August 6, 2023

Rip Screaming Eagle.. Say hi to my grandpa of the 502pir of the 101st airborne. God Speed we have the watch.

Joseph R. Sarnacki

August 5, 2023

Vincent was a true hero who fought valiantly during World War II, and his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I had the honor of drinking a few beers with him in France after completing an airborne jump at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. With a cigar in one hand and a beer in the other, we clunked our beers as he led many of us in singing blood on the risers. Vincent, thank you for taking the time to honor us with your stories and sharing a few beers. It was truly an experience! Your memory will live on as a symbol of resilience and courage. May you rest in peace, knowing that your contributions to history will always be honored.

Matthew Fuehrer Cpl Usmc

August 5, 2023

Love listening to his stories. He is a true hero and warrior. We will take it from here rest easy sir. When we meet again

william solebello

August 5, 2023

Mr Speranza was teacher at Curtis HS during my years there. I don't believe any of the students knew or realized we had a true America hero as a teacher. It was not until our 50th reuniion that he spoke to the class about his war time experiences. May god bless this kind gentle soul who helped make our world safe and free.

Cathy Cass Delaney Garcia

August 5, 2023

True hero that will be missed! You were one of a kind. Thank you for keeping so many of our hero's alive through your stories. Thank you for your service Sir. May you rest in peace. Give my Uncle Clifford A Goodall a hug for me up there! xoxo

Ryan McCaffrey

August 5, 2023

Vince and I were very good friends. I met him in 2009 when myself and another gentleman went and interviewed him about WWII. He had told us many many stories. It was very emotional for all three of us. Some of the stories he had told, he said he´s never told anybody to the to this date. I still tell the story about the luckiest cow in Bastogne the way it was told to me by Vince. Vince was an American hero a friend, a neighbor, a teacher and a role model. Vince has touched the lives of thousands of people throughout the world through his selflessness, his commitment to his country and his love for life. I will miss Vince dearly. I´ve learned a lot about life from Vince. He is truly an American hero rest in peace, my friend.

" Blood Upon the Risers"

Lynne Allen

August 5, 2023

Such a joy and pleasure to know Vince. RIP

MA2 William Davidson USN (Ret.)

August 4, 2023

Fair Winds and Following Seas.
From this Sailor to a true legend.
Lay below brother, we have the watch.

Robert Konzelmann

August 4, 2023

God bless you, Vince Speranza. I knew this day would come, but I knew just as well, that I would not be prepared for it. Thank you so much for being who you were, and for inspiring us, in the speeches that you made regarding your experiences in WWII. So many times, I sat mesmerized listening to your amazing stories, at the same time looking at someone who was so grounded and so down to earth, it was inspiring to share our lineage of being American while you spoke. Thank you so much Vince, and Godspeed. We look forward to seeing you on the other side.

Jacob

August 4, 2023

Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace.

Thijmen

August 4, 2023

Thank you for your service and the saving of europe in ww2. You will always be rememberd. I hope you lay in Peace with your friends in haven. Rest In Peace.

Rose Connolly

August 4, 2023

Vince is one of a kind and a tough act to follow. I don't know why I feel such remorse at his passing. I guess I wanted him to outlive me.

Beth

August 4, 2023

I never forgot the first time I came across a video of him leading gents in "Blood upon the Risers",, his version! His interview on YouTube is amazing. Respect to an amazing person!

Lisa DeSimone

August 4, 2023

Wishing you love and strength to make it through this difficult time. Sounds like he was a GEM!!

CARMEN DESTEFANO

August 4, 2023

Thank you for you, Vinny...It was my honor to meet you. Rest if eternal peace. AATW.

Miggy

August 4, 2023

I met you this year in Illinois. We planned to meet again in september. The world has lost an amazing man. Thank you for your service, thank you your kindness to a stranger. To the relatives, my condoleances with your loss. Miggy, the Netherlands

Dennis Klein

August 4, 2023

In 2018 I had the honor to sit with Vince at an authors table at the Currahee Military Museum in Toccoa Georgia. We exchanged books, his, "Nuts" for my coffee table book "Normandy 75 Years Later." He had me captivated with his Airborne Beer story. There were about 8 authors present and he signed more books than the rest of us combined. It was wonderful to be part of that book signing and to sit with him for the afternoon. His story is one of my favorites to pass on. Rest in peace Vince Speranza. Currahee!!

Brian O´Connell

August 4, 2023

You were one of the best carry on trooper

Brian Tjeerdsma

August 4, 2023

Rest in peace Vincent j speranza! We will never forget you!
Love from the Netherlands.

Anton Roberta Berola

August 3, 2023

Auburn, Illinois VINCE a SPERANZA, RIP, Our Beloved "PROFILE IN COURAGE!"

Bobbie Boyd Berola

Frank

August 3, 2023

Rest easy paratrooper you have done everything for the country being the greatest generation ever
God speed battle brother
U.S. army vet

John Bellville us. Army veteran

August 3, 2023

Rip warrior god speed

Gayle

August 3, 2023

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

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Not sure what to say?

June 2, 2025

Kathleen Reese Hacking posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2025

jonny Mitchell posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2025

Randal Underhill posted to the memorial.