Tony Marsella

Tony Marsella is a lifelong resident of Mamaroneck, New York. Born on May 20, 1924, he graduated from Mamaroneck High School in June, 1942. Seven months later, on exactly the same day, he and his brother, John, were drafted into the United States Army. Their individual training and subsequent assignments eventually took them both to Italy.

Due to his fluency in Italian and skill as a stenographer, Tony was assigned to the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories and served as an interpreter and stenographer in Sicily, and mainland Italy. On May 26, 1944, his brother, John, was killed during the Anzio invasion.

Corporal Tony Marsella was discharged from the United States Army on October 25, 1945 at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Pfc. John Marsella was buried with the other members of his tank crew in Zachary Taylor Military Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Tony’s military awards include: the Army Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Battle Stars, but the medal he treasures most is the Purple Heart that was posthumously awarded to his brother, John.

Richard M. Kemper Park, located on the grounds of Mamaroneck High School, contains a monument bearing John Marsella’s name and those of 100 other Larchmont/Mamaroneck residents who perished in World War II. Several years ago, when the Park’s existence was threatened, Tony became the voice and face of the families of the honorees. Throughout the years that the Park’s fate seemed uncertain, Tony attended every ceremony and public meeting so that he could reiterate the importance of preserving the Park and the memory of those it honored. Because of Tony’s efforts to awaken his community’s conscience, the Park still exists today.

Tony’s patriotism and loyalty make him a worthy candidate for this honor.