William DeCosmo

July 29, 2012

William M. DeCosmo, 87, of Hazleton, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the Hazleton General Hospital following a lengthily illness.

Born in Hazleton, he was a son of the late Charles and Jennie (Smothers) DeCosmo.

Bill was a World War II U.S. Army veteran serving with the 5th Army, 85th Division, 337th Infantry Regiment. His first battle was the Rome-Arno in Italy on June 1, 1944. He was awarded a Battle Star and an Infantry Badge. Then, Bill was awarded two Oak Leaf Clusters, his second Battle Star and the first of his three Purple Hearts on October 25, 1944, following the battle of Apennines, Italy. On November 9, 1944 he was severely injured in the battle of Poe Valley, Italy.

In his younger days, Bill enjoyed dancing and followed the Cords. He liked fishing and vacationing in Wildwood, N.J. During his last year, he loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, talking sports, puzzles and watching "CSI," animal shows and old classics. He lived a very happy and fruitful life.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his loving wife, the former Rita Saxon; sisters Helen Matteo and Peggy Salus; brothers, John, Michael, Tony and Bobby.

Surviving are his loving children, who were his caregivers since January, William E. and wife Cathy; Rita M. Blasko and husband Michael; James M. and Lisa P. Modlick and husband Ken, all of Hazleton. His sister Betty Rubasky, Plains, and 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Fierro Funeral Home, 26 W. Second St., Hazleton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Most Precious Blood Church. Interment will follow in the MPB Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.