Verille, Antonio

Description

Antonio Verrilli

Antonio Verrilli was born in Castel Franco, Italy October 11, 1901. In Rye he lived at 7 Sylvan Place and he was a member of the Church of the Resurrection. Before the war, he worked as a merchant seaman on various ships, including the SS Washington.

Antonio enlisted June 22, 1942 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a (SF3c) Shipfitter Third Class on board the USS Shangri-La (CV-38). His service # was 647 53 96, (See Muster Rolls)

In the U.S. Navy during World War II, SF3c stands for Shipfitter Third Class. Rank and Responsibilities As a Petty Officer Third Class, an SF3c was a non-commissioned officer in the Artificer Branch. Their primary duties involved the maintenance and repair of the ship’s structure, including metalwork, cutting, shaping, and fastening metal plates for hulls and bulkheads. An SF3 was also responsible for repairing vital shipboard systems like water and fuel lines. They were essential for making emergency repairs to keep a ship afloat after combat damage.

The USS Shangri-La (CV-38) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1944, playing a key role in the Pacific Theater during World War II by launching strikes against Japanese forces, earning two battle stars, and being named after the mythical Shangri-La from the Doolittle Raid. Nicknamed the “Tokyo Express,” she saw action from Okinawa to the Japanese home islands.

Antonio was honorably discharged December 23,1944.

After his discharge he returned home and worked for the City of Rye as the sewer inspector until his retirement. He moved to Bridgeport, CT to be near his relatives in 1968.

Antonio Verrilli, 69, died January 24, 1971 in the Park Avenue Convalescent home Bridgeport. He was burried with full military honors in St. Michael Cemetery

At the time of his death, he was survived by a brother, John F. Verrilli, of Trumbull; and several nieces and nephews..