Name: Chad
Holtquist HT1
email: Chadcheri@aol.com
EULOGY:
His name was CWO4 Steven Burks. He and I reported aboard in the
spring of 1987 a few weeks apart. He had just made warrant before reporting
and he hit the deck running. I couldn't have asked for a better
mentor/father figure for my first sea tour. He was the mold for what a role
model should be cast of. That man knew how to support a division and get the
most out of us just out of the respect we had for him. He stood for no
nonsense even when it came from the higher ups in our own division. Steve
knew me and when it came time for me to stay or get out, he helped me weigh
the options of either choice. Our division officer was an LDO who hadn't
been aboard very long and for whatever reason didn't think I could handle
the C school I wanted should I have decided to stay in the Navy even though
I was qualified for the billet. I mentioned this to Steve off duty while he
was on leave after he had already checked out off BB-62 and enroute to
CVN-70. He was aboard the next day and got the ensign calibrated. I called
the detailer and got similar resistance. Steve happened to still be in the
room as I was on the phone. He took the phone from me and identified himself
and with a few words and his backing I had orders enroute. This was one of
many examples of him taking care of the boys who took care of him for our
three years and two deployments together. When I got the word he passed it
was a punch right in the stomach. I was looking forward to serving together
again and showing him he was right about me. His memory still inspires me
even though it's been 6 years since he left us and 10 since I last saw him.
Rest In Peace Mr. B and we'll ride together again on the other side!
HT1(SW) C.S. Holtquist
name: Gary Frazier
email: gfraz@hotmail.com
Eulogy:
My maternal grandfather, Vernon Dee Griffin enlisted 1/25/43 and was Honorably
Discharged on 2/6/1946. He was a GM2/C on the BB-62 and received a commendation
from Capt. Carl F. Holden, Philippine Lib. Ribbon 2-Bronze Stars, American Area
Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon 1-Silver & 4-Bronze Stars. He
passed away in 1974 and I was only 4 at the time. I never got the chance to tell
him bye, or how proud I was to have such an honorable grandpa. May he rest in
peace and dream of the open sea...your grandson Gary.
name: Doug Fritz
email: d3fritz@aol.com / d3f@tennantco.com
Eulogy:
I remember CWO Steven Burks well. I remember him as an intensely honorable man
whom you would want to follow. I had the honor of having him sign off a portion
of my Quals for the LEP/R&A. He later gave me a place to fit in when I
fit in nowhere else. I had started out with my General Quarters Station in Turret
1, later I had transferred to the Bridge. Through a some sort of paperwork mix-up
I was left with a GQ station no longer. Steve Burks told me to come to Repair 2
where I "Was needed". I would become one of the 2 investigators. He
smiled when he told me that he figured I was the only Bos'n Mate under E7
In a repair locker that he knew of. After I had been trained in for the job,
before WestPac 89 /90 started, he walked me through the motions as my observer.
He said that the job I held may prove necessary and was important for me to make
sure I know "Because you may just have to do it". When we went
into the Persian Gulf in December 1989 I realized he was right, and I felt a lot
more confident since he showed me what to do. Fortunately my services were not
needed. But had something happened, all his Repair Division personnel were
trained right and professional. Steve Burks was a good and honorable man.
That is the best I can say about any man. Doug Fritz (BM3 USS New Jersey
U.S.Navy / CPL 11B 6th ID U.S. Army).
name: Ed Campbell
email: edcampbell@prodigy.net
Eulogy: John (Jack) McDonald passed away in April 2002. He was 78
and a young man in spirit. I can't honestly tell you I ever met him face
to face although I probably did once, at one of the reunions. I can tell
you he was a good man; full of enthusiasm uncommon in most veterans his
age. You can read his "sea stories" on this site. Over the
last three years he became a friend and constant contributor to the development
of this site. He loved life and he loved our ship.
I miss him already.
name: Bruce
H.Vansickle, LCDR,USN (Ret)
email: bvansickle@sprynet.com
story:
Joseph L.Vansickle [Div "A",MM3] My father reported aboard the USS New
Jersey in 1943,unsure of date, and stayed with 'her' until 1946. He never spoke
of his duties on the 'Jersey'. However, he remained a loyal 'Jerseyman.' In the
later years of his life the intensity of this loyalty increased. He wanted to
attend your last reunion, however failing health prevented this from happening.
Now that he has passed, the reading of the journal he kept while aboard the New
Jersey has given me a better understanding of who he was as a young man and
young sailor. He instilled in me the desire to enter the Navy and 'stay the
course' for my career. I am eternally grateful for that advise. I wish you
"Fair Winds and Following Seas" old salt and hope our paths again in
the distant future.
*******************************************************************************
04/08/03
name: Romeo "FRENCHY Frenette
email: romececi@yahoo.com
story:
Jim Flora passed away over the week-end.
I served with Jim on the second KOREAN Cruise, and never forgot what a gentleman
he was........
I can't fill his shoes, and it will be hard for anybody to fill his shoes......
I got to know his Charming, Lovely Wife Frances Flora through the Internet, and
know deep how her heart must hurt right now............
GOOD BY JIM AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE...YOU'VE EARNED
YOUR REST...
name: Victoria
Sorrentino Ehrler
e-mail: V_G_Ehrler@msn.com
In Loving Memory Of: Victor A. Sorrentino (WWII)
February 18, 1924
December 3, 2003
God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched, and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.
Your Loving Family,
name: Tom Lanagan
email: tlanagan@att.net
Eulogy:
In honor of my uncle,
Eugene Waterstraw, who passed on in 1999. Gene was an
Electrician on the New Jersey and served in WW-II in the Pacific campaign.
regards,
Tom Lanagan
name: Wendy Zarr
email: WMZ567@aol.com
Eulogy:
My father Richard Anthony Zarr was a world war two vet. He served his
country on the USS New Jersey. He was a loving father and a wonderful husband.
His birthdate 03-06-25 - 04-08-1995. He is loved and still missed.
name: Donna
Abate-Daughter of Former Shipmate John Abate, WWII
email: faliero@msn.com
story:
For John Abate- Former WWII crewman on the USS New Jersey
The USS New Jersey was your home during WWII. I know you were proud to
serve our country on this most decorated ship. If you were here today, you
would still be talking about the ship and all its glory.
I can still remember the many stories you told of your service during WWII and
never once did you forgot to mention the USS New Jersey.
You proudly wore the BB62 cap everywhere you went. You spoke about how you
fired the guns off the ship as was your job as a fire controlman. You never
mentioned being afraid of the enormous responsibility you had been given.
You only mentioned that you were proud to serve your country on such a great
ship and with such great fellow crewmen.
I know we didn't make the reunion you were so anxiously waiting to attend and
know you would have been so happy to meet your former crewmen.
In my heart you will always be remembered for the proud, brave person you were,
in serving our great nation.
You will be remembered by your family who will never forgot the joy of having
such a caring and giving father. Most of all you will be remembered for
being the best father a daughter can have.
Until we meet again, your memory will always live on.
Love Your Daughter Donna
Please add my father John Abate to the list of deceased former WWII crewman
Thank You
Donna Abate
name: Maria
Puckett
email: m_puckett15@yahoo.com
story:
My grandfather, Charles "Red" Foy served aboard the USS New Jersey
during WWII in the Pacific. He passed away in May of 1998. Although he
never spoke about the war, I know that he and all who served on the New Jersey
displayed great amounts of courage every day that they served. The ship's
book sits in a place of prominence in my parent's home and I whenever I visit
and page through it I am reminded of how much those sailors gave both during and
after the war and how each and every one of them was a true hero no matter what
their job.
Grandpa, you are missed everyday by us all.
name: Arthur W .
Gott Jr.
email: a.gott2@verizon.net
story:
Arthur W. Gott was buried today 02/17/05. He served aboard the BBNJ-62 as S-3
during 1950-52. He would always tell us that those two years aboard ship were
the best years of his life. He won an all expense pd trip to Paris for a week in
a singing contest on ship. His class ring was his prized possession. It was our
pleasure to accompany him 3yrs ago to visit his old ship. He got the royal
treatment as a returning vet.
Dad it is my pleasure to honor you by wearing your ring as a tribute to your
faithful service to our great country. You are enrolled in the roll call of the
faithful. God bless you through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior forever and
ever. Amen
Love,
Arthur W. Gott Jr. Georgetown, Ma.
name: Phillip
Fougere Jr.
email: flipfou@hotmail.com
story:
Phillip L. Fougere
78 Years Old
Thompson CT - native of Westboro, MA
Died Oct 25, 2006
Veteran of WWII (YMS 361) and Korean Conflict (BB-62). Took part in major
combat operations. My Dad was immensely proud of his service and it would
mean a lot to my family if his passing were recorded here. Was was a true
patriot and wonderful role model. In 1967 he lost his eyesight due to
retinitis pigmantosis and used his VA benefits to go back to school and earn a
Bachelors and Masters. He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for
nearly 20 years as director of a social rehab facility and raised 3 children, 4
stepchildren and had 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. As you can well
imagine. He will be greatly missed everyday by all he touched.
name: Suzanne Devlin
email:
irishsuzanne@msn.com
story:
My husband, Ed Devlin passed away on 12/13/07 after a
long battle with kidney disease and cancer but he never stopped talking about
his ship "The U.S.S.New Jersey aboard which he served as Fire Control during the
Korean War. Besides, his family whom he loved dearly he was never prouder of
anything in his life as serving aboard the Battleship New Jersey and always wore
a jacket, baseball hat or a shirt which proudly had the ship'w silhouette or
embroidering and he was always ready to talk to anyone who asked him about his
service. He went to his death wearing a U.S.S,New Jersey Polo Shirt as the
caregivers at the Hospice House all knew of his love for the "damn ship in the
U.S. Navy and I promised him that I would add him to the taps list as soon as
possible.
He is missed dearly but will never be forgotten.
name: MICHELLE BUCKLEY LEONARD
email:
MICHELLENTZC@YAHOO.COM
story:
MY TRIBUTE IS TO MY ONE AND ONLY HERO, HE TAUGHT ME MANY
THINGS, FROM RIDING A BIKE, TO DRIVING A CAR. TAUGHT ME HOW TO TIE KNOTS, JUST
LIKE IN THE NAVY. HE ALWAYS SPOKE HIGHLY OF BEING ON THE USS NEW JERSEY AND HIS
FRIENDS THERE, FRANK RAGONE AND CHUCK SMITH, AMONG MANY OTHERS. HE WAS MY HERO,
HE WAS MY DADDY.........HENRY CURTIS BUCKLEY 5TH DIV. KOREA JUNE 1, 1930 -
JANUARY 23, 2008 SINCERELY, HIS LOVING DAUGHTER, MICHELLE
