Robert S. Cone 88, of Delray Beach, FL ., formerly of Hull, passed away Thursday after a brief illness with his beloved wife of 65 years, Ida , by his side. Mr. Cone was born in Ports- |mouth , N. H, He grew up in Roxbury, Mass. He later moved with his wife to Hull. Upon his retirement they moved to Delray Beach Florida, where he enjoyed golfing exercising, and walking. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children; Natalie Gaudet and her husband Robert of Hampton N. H., Ronna Townsend and her husband Robert of Monroe Twp., N. J. and Edward Cone and his wife Kate of Easton MA. He also has 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Robert fought in WW II as member of the 506th Parachute Infantry of the 101st Airborne. This elite unit was also known as the Filthy Thirteen . During the Normandy invasion of Europe in June 1944 his unit was airdropped behind enemy lines for the purpose of demolishing enemy targets, a mission that cost the lives of most of the men of the unit. Robert was wounded after his jump and was taken prisoner . He was held captive for nine months in three different Nazi prison camps and was reported as Killed in Action to his family and loved ones. In 2006, Robert was given thirteen medals he earned from the Normandy Invasion, but never received because all thought he was dead; including the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War Medal. Over the past few years, he enjoyed travelling with the last few remaining survivors of the Filthy Thirteen attending Military Events across the country. Graveside services will be held Friday, July 2nd at Sharon Memorial Park at 10:45 a.m. Condolence calls may be made at the home of Edward & Kate Cone through Monday evening. Contributions in his memory can be made to: Temple Beth Sholom of Hull, Mass. Or The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Oh, 45250-0301 Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Chapel, Malden.


Published in The Patriot Ledger on July 2, 2010