Duluth WWII veteran remembered

A flag will be raised in memory of a World War II veteran who got two perfect cribbage hands in his lifetime at 9 a.m. Friday in front of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. All are welcome to attend the public ceremony in honor of Ralph J. Arezzo of Duluth. His flag will fly for a week in front of the center.

Arezzo was born Sept. 20, 1921, in La Selle, Ill. to William and Frances Arezzo. He was united in marriage with Ione Nolan in 1942 until her death in 1985. He was united in marriage to Joanne Bibeau (Lustig-Alvord) on Nov. 21, 1986.

The Duluth man served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Medical Badge, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three battle stars, World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Service Medal with Germany Clasp.

Arezzo was a mason with U.S. Steel for 32 years. He then worked at the courthouse in the maintenance department until retiring in 1984.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 71 and a long-time member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.

Arezzo died Feb. 6, 2010 at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family.

He was an avid cribbage player; in his lifetime he got two perfect hands. He also enjoyed watching the Vikings, cooking Italian spaghetti for his family and making unusual bird houses for the yard. He was a boxer in the service and enjoyed watching boxing. He had a passion for cars, motorcycles and fishing.

Arezzo was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Ione; brother, Michael; daughter, Jeannie Baker; granddaughter, Heather (Marshall) Akemen; and grandson David Baker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; children, Diane (Bob) Marshall of Duluth, Patti Jo (Jonathan) Roadville of Las Vegas and Michael Arezzo of Grand Rapids; brother, Vincent Arezzo; sister, Mary Francisco; step-children, Timothy (Danielle) Lustig, Gary Lustig, Scott (Carrie) Lustig, Donald Lustig and Patrick (Jenny) Lustig of Maple; 22 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Tags: community, veterans, military, bong, superior