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Michael Hrycak

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Dan Mahon

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Bill Morris

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Vince Tirri

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Ryan C. Bailey

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Taps

117th Cav Association

Honor Roll

This page is dedicated to our fallen brothers, sisters and their spouses. The post will remain here for 1 year or so and then removed. Past TAPS notices can still be found in the SPUR for those who wish to review these at a later date.

We all will meet them at Fiddler's Green

Readers: Please notify Membership Chairman SSG Pedro Martinez of the death of members of the Association, WWII vets who served in the 117th, 102nd or 38th Cavalry Squadrons, or anyone who served in the post war cavalry units.

Past TAPS notices can still be found in
The SPUR Archives
(Click here)

******

Alfonse R. Aballo, 88,
of Toms River, NJ, passed away on June 2. 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newark, NJ, he resided in Edison, moving to Toms River in 2003. After graduating high school Alfonse proudly served in the U.S. Navy, serving on the Battleship USS Missouri during the Korean War and went on to spend many years in the National Guard as an officer. He was an Operating Engineer with Local 825 for 50 dedicated years and retired as an OSHA instructor. Alfonse enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be dearly missed. He was predeceased by his parents Emilio and Celia Aballo; his siblings Andrew, Richard, Rose, Angelina, Ralph, Thomas and Ramon. Surviving are his beloved wife of 36 years Peggy; sons Emilio and Thomas; his grandchildren Brittany, Thomas Jr., Alfonse, Corinne, Samantha, Kevin, Katie, Megan and Stephanie; his sister Geraldine and husband Lou and brother Joseph and wife Susan; his stepchildren Marilyn and Michael and his cherished dog Duke. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.


 
John Dennis Michael Wincz, 72,

of Iselin, died on Friday, August 7, 2020 at the Mary Anne Hale Pavilion of Haven Hospice at JFK Medical Center in Edison. John was a wonderful husband, brother, cousin and a good friend to many. He was born April 28, 1948 in Jersey City, NJ. He attended Snyder High School. He met his loving wife, Milissa at JFK Medical Center, where he also worked. They were married for nearly 16 years when John passed. He always enjoyed being with family and many friends. He loved riding his Harley and never a day went by when he was not mapping (planning a road trip!). He was thoughtful, kind and I will miss his jokes of the day. He loved going to Wildwood Crest and hanging out there. He always loved his breakfast "club" and then in the afternoons to meet the Avenel VFW with friends. I love riding with John on his Harley. I wanted so to get licensed and take road trips with him. From when I first met John, he made me feel like I knew him my whole life. I'll never forget his ordering everything known to man from the infomercials in the middle of the night. He loved to make cakes in his Turbocooker. When John couldn't sleep, we were forever trying to find 24/7 diners in the wee hours. When we were dating we would run into each other in the 24/7 A&P. After John retired from JFK, I could not wait for his 7 o'clock morning calls. He served in the US Army in Vietnam and in the National Guard. He was an avid Yankee fan. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Dorothy. He is survived by his wife, Milissa; brother, Gary and his wife Denise; his sister, Cheryl; his cousin Eric (his best friend) and many cousins and friends. John will be sadly missed. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 10 am in the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 1225 Green Street & Cooper Avenue, Iselin. Interment will be in CloverLeaf Memorial Park, Woodbridge. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3 - 7 pm. Flowers are welcome, but donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).To send condolences please visit www.costello-runyon.com.


Lenore Lafferty Vega, Wife of MSG Maurcio Vega
Lenore passed away early this morning after a short, brutal battle with cancer. MSG Mauricio Vega is a pillar in the Cav's signal section and greater signal community. They were regulars at Spurs and Sabers and Casino Night and were always one of the most engaging couples of currently serving membership. Hearts are broken today, little young ones, and old ones, near and far. Mauricios updates on Caring Bridge illustrate the strength of their marriage, unyielding friendship and love for one another, their young children and the bond between them and their greater family.
Dr. Lenore Mary Lafferty Vega, 49, of Mountainside, NJ, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones.
Visitation hours will be held at Higgins and Bonner Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave, Westfield NJ, 07090, from 3:00-9:00 pm on Friday, July 24, 2020.
Private funeral services will be held at on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes, with the Father Matthew Dooley officiating. Gathering at 1:00 pm in Lenny’s Garden at the Vega house to follow. Absolutely all are welcome to stop by.

Lenore was born in Staten Island, NY to James and Catherine on June 16, 1971. She went to school at St. Patricks and St. Joseph Hill Academy of Staten Island. She graduated from Seton Hall University May 1993. She went on to earn her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy/Therapist in May 1998. Lenore had a passion for helping others, she worked as a physical therapist for the past 25 years. Lenore created her own private practice, Mountainside Pediatric Physical Therapy, PC, through which she treated pediatric patients in the Westfield School District. She taught as an adjunct professor in the Pediatric Physical Therapy program at Seton Hall University. Dr. Lafferty recently graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She married the love of her life Mauricio Vega on August 24, 2002 at St. Patricks in Staten Island, NY. Lenore is the loving, devoted mother of Sofia and Alexander.

Lenore is preceded in death by her parents James and Catherine Lafferty and brother, Nicholas Lafferty.

Lenore is survived by her husband, Mauricio, her children, Sofia and Alexander, her brothers Dr. James Lafferty, Joseph Lafferty, Paul Lafferty, and Dr. William Lafferty. Her spirit lives on in her nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, and brother-in-laws.


Kenneth L. Mahan, 81, of Metuchen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at JFK Hartwyck in Edison. Kenneth was born in Sullivan, Indiana to the late Ross and Virginia Mahan before becoming a lifelong resident of Metuchen. He was a member of the United States Army National Guard for 33 years retiring as a Sergeant Major. Kenneth was also a Pressman for multiple printing companies in NY before retiring from Graphic Equipment in Metuchen. He was a member at the First Baptist Church of Metuchen where he was a Trustee. He also was a former member of the Salvation Army and First Aid Squad of Metuchen. Kenneth was known for his service to mankind. Kenneth is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean (Drake); his daughter, Kimberly Mahan of Vineland.A visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 from 11am to 2pm, with a service to follow at 2pm at the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
NJ Cavalry and Armor Association


RALPH J. WILSON, age 78, of Edgewater, passed away suddenly in his home Saturday, February 24th, 2018.Ralph was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Wilson, who he laughed with, lived for, and loved. He is survived by his two children: his son, Mitch Wilson of Ocean, New Jersey; and his daughter, Michele Mazza of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Alexandra and Breanna Mazza of Edgewater, Florida; and Christopher and Kate Wilson of Ocean, New Jersey; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Ralph was a veteran of the Army National Guard and the Coast Guard. During his long and distinguished career he earned numerous medals and awards. He retired from the service as Chief Warrant Officer 4. The discipline and the patriotism he learned in the military never left him. He was an avid reader, fisherman, woodworker, Lionel train enthusiast, and lifelong baseball fan. His favorite pastimes included watching TV, working on his boat with his partner in crime, Raymond Mazza, and doing anything to avoid pulling weeds with his wife, Barbara.   A Military Funeral Honors ceremony will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery where Ralph and Barbara will have their final resting place together


JOSEPH POCOROBA - Basking Ridge, NJ
Joseph H. 'Bob' Pocoroba WWII veteran was known for his dedication to family Sadly, Joseph H. "Bob" Pocoroba of Brick, N.J., passed away on Aug. 16, 2018. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge N.J. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle, please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com Bob was born Aug. 12, 1919, in Newark, N.J., where he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel grammar and high schools. In 1940 Bob enlisted in the Essex Troop 117th Cavalry and was part of their mechanizedreconnaissance squadron during World War II. He saw action in North Africa, Italy, and France where he was
awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement on New Year's Eve 1944. He was honorably discharged afterfive years of service. In November of 2014, the French government awarded Bob the insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government, an honor that is equivalent to knighthood. Also in 2014, the mayorof Brick declared Dec. 11 to be Bob Pocoroba Day. After the war, Bob worked first as a commercial realtor, and
then opened his own residential realty in Clifton, N.J. Ultimately he spent the majority of his career with Bamberger & Co. in Paramus, N.J. Bob married Doris Smith of Nutley, N.J., in 1947. They raised their family, two daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, in Pompton Plains, N.J. Bob was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner at both St. Mary's Church in Pompton Lakes and Church of Epiphany in Brick. Bob was a community volunteer at Greenbriar II. He was a news anchor on the community's CCTV and also delivered healthcare/medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, to homebound residents. He enjoyed performing in the community theater
group, The Greenbriar Follies. Bob was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and a noble friend. Above all, he was a good man - trustworthy, charitable, compassionate, and honest to a fault. His passion was his family. He never missed the opportunity to tell whoever was in earshot about something his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren had recently achieved. He was predeceased by his parents, Hector and Amalia Pocoroba, his sister, Rose P. Danna, his wife, Doris and his daughter, Elizabeth Barbato. Bob is survived by his daughter, Jane Patterson, and his seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make a donation to a veterans' charity of your choice. Published in Star-Ledger on Aug. 19, 2018


CW4 (Ret) Donald A. Tracy, a long-time resident of Chatham, passed away at Care One at Madison in Morristown on Thursday, March 22, 2018. He was 86. Born in Summit, Don was raised in Millburn and Chatham. Don joined the NJ Army National Guard, in 1947, while still in high school, as a member of the 50th Recon Battalion in Westfield. He later served with the 5/117th Cavalry and 102nd Cavalry and Armor in West Orange. He retired in 1991, after over 40 years of service, as a Chief Warrant Officer. Don’s career was also with NJ Army National Guard, where he worked full-time as Technician, beginning in 1951 until his retirement in 1986. During his active time with the Guard and into his retirement, Don was a member of multiple organizations related his Army National Guard duty including the 117th Calvary Association, the 102nd Essex Troop Association, the Retired Officers Association, the NCO Association of NJ, the NJ National Guard Association and the US National Guard Association. He was also a member of American Legion Post 213 in Wantage for over 20 years. Don was also very active in the community. He was a member of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department since 1966. He regularly gave blood at Overlook Hospital and was a member of the
“2 Gallon Club.” Don was always doing something for someone- whenever anything needed to be done in the neighborhood, he was the one who stepped up and did it. A true patriot, Don loved all things military and enjoyed visiting military historical sites, such as Valley Forge and was a volunteer for many years NJ National
Guard Museum in Sea Girt. Don was the beloved husband of over 65 years to Mary “Chickie” (nee Tyrone). He was the loving father of Dennis Tracy and his wife Sally of Chatham, Diane Bleibdrey and her husband Edward of Edinburg, TX, Deane T. Tracy of Summit, Dan S. Tracy of Madison and the late David W. Tracy and Donna
M. Tracy. He was the cherished grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 10. He was also pre-deceased by his brothers, Keith and Neil Tracy.


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