Leverich, Donald J.

Description

Donald James Leverich was born on October 2, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Cameron and Rena McLarney Leverich. In Rye his family lived at 8 Morehead Dr. and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Donald was a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1944. In High School he excelled in sports and was captain of the football team.

He enlisted February 29,1944 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Marine Corps Muster Rolls show Donald served with the Heavy Antiaircraft Group, Eighth Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, Fleet Marine Force. His service number was 948872.

During the Battle of Okinawa the 8th AAA Battalion was one of four AAA battalions that comprised the 1st Provisional Antiaircraft Artillery Group during the Battle of Okinawa. During the battle they were emplaced near Yontan Airfield in order to protect the airfield against Japanese air raids and kamikaze attacks.

One Marine from the battalion was killed in action during the battle and another ten were wounded in action. The battalion remained on Okinawa providing air defense until 20 September 1945.

Donald was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps April 20, 1946.

After the war, he graduated Lehigh University. In 1955 Donald married Arlene B Meyfohrt and they would have one son and two daughters.

Donald resided in Norwalk, CT for 17 years. He was a district manager for Hitchcock Publishing Co., of Glastonbury

Donald was a member of the Lehigh Alumni Club of Fairfield County and was a member of the Shorehaven Golf Club.

Donald James Leverich, 51, of 7 Granite Drive, Norwalk, the husband of Arline Meyforht Leverich, died suddlenly Tuesday December 1, 1976 at his home.

At the time of his death, in addition to his wife, he was survived by his son, Donald James Leverich, Jr., Miss Cynthia Louise and Miss Pamela Joan Leverich, and a brother Robert C. Leverich, all of Norwalk.

Services wer conducted in the Magner Funeral Home, followed at St. Jerome’s Church with a mass of Christian burial. Internment was private.