Mother's Maiden Name: Desin
Peter John Radonich
On Easter morning, 1945, 19-year-old Peter Radonich was on the deck of the U.S.S. Freestone, waiting to board landing craft for the invasion of Okinawa, the final and bloodiest battle of World War II. Sixty-three years later, on Easter, 2008, Peter Radonich died.
Peter John Radonich was born October 10, 1925 to Billy and Kate Radonich.
Peter grew up in the Summit Road area above Los Gatos with brothers Andy and Bill and sister Nancy. He attended Burrell School and played sports at Los Gatos High School before graduating in 1943. He then attended Pacific School of Radio, studying news writing and broadcasting before working as an intern at radio station KYA in San Francisco.
He was drafted in 1943. He served with the Company C, 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division as an infantryman carrying a Browning Automatic Rifle through the jungles of the Philippines and Okinawa. In Okinawa, he was wounded in both legs, but in twelve days, he was back in the front lines for a total of 82 days. Sergeant Peter Radonich received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio station WVTP broadcasting from Seoul, Korea. He was discharged in 1946.
From 1947 to 1970, Peter was news director for several radio stations, including KEEN, KLIV, KSJO, KSCO, and KLOK. He was an author/writer and a fifty-year member of IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He emceed big band radio show dances at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz. He called races at Bay Meadows for a short time. He also recorded books for the blind for ten years. He was an active member and past commander of San Jose Chapter 11 of the Disabled American Veterans.
You can read more about Peter's life on the Stories of Service website (http:digiclub.org). He was the California co-chair of this organization dedicated to telling the stories of World War II veterans. The site also includes a video written and read by Peter called "Ordinary Heroes." Warren Hegg, executive director of the parent organization, the Digital Clubhouse Network, says, "Peter was one of the greatest. Not only because of his service in World War II…but for all the years he volunteered his time and talent to help other veterans produce their digital stories." Jerry Rosenthal, a fellow World War II veteran, says, "I am sorry not to have been able to tell Peter how I was always in awe of him: his wonderful voice on the radio, the magic of his personality, and the ability to draw people to him. His presence made this world a better place."
Over the years, Peter enjoyed many hobbies including collecting antiques. He belonged to the Antique Car Club of America. From 1956 to 1991, Pete and his brothers owned Radonich Brothers Trucking. He served as president of the California Trucking Association in 1978. For many years, he was a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. Peter was especially dedicated to the Stories of Service organization. On the organization's website, he says, "Stories of Service is building bridges between the generations and keeping the memory of our veterans alive. I hope that you will do what you can to help spread the word about Stories of Service so that hopefully others across America will be inspired to follow our example."
Peter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; two sons Brad and Randy, and one daughter Janet; eight grandchildren Kimberly, Jennifer, Lauren, Bradford, Nik, Courtney, Alex, and Amanda; and three great grandchildren Jacob, Jared, and Brody; brothers Andy and Bill, and sister Nancy Campi.
Services will be held Monday, March 31, 1 p.m., at Darling-Fischer Mortuary, 615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma societies, or donations of blood to the American Red Cross.
Published in San Jose Mercury News on Mar. 29, 2008
Peter John Radonich
On Easter morning, 1945, 19-year-old Peter Radonich was on the deck of the U.S.S. Freestone, waiting to board landing craft for the invasion of Okinawa, the final and bloodiest battle of World War II. Sixty-three years later, on Easter, 2008, Peter Radonich died.
Peter John Radonich was born October 10, 1925 to Billy and Kate Radonich.
Peter grew up in the Summit Road area above Los Gatos with brothers Andy and Bill and sister Nancy. He attended Burrell School and played sports at Los Gatos High School before graduating in 1943. He then attended Pacific School of Radio, studying news writing and broadcasting before working as an intern at radio station KYA in San Francisco.
He was drafted in 1943. He served with the Company C, 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division as an infantryman carrying a Browning Automatic Rifle through the jungles of the Philippines and Okinawa. In Okinawa, he was wounded in both legs, but in twelve days, he was back in the front lines for a total of 82 days. Sergeant Peter Radonich received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio station WVTP broadcasting from Seoul, Korea. He was discharged in 1946.
From 1947 to 1970, Peter was news director for several radio stations, including KEEN, KLIV, KSJO, KSCO, and KLOK. He was an author/writer and a fifty-year member of IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He emceed big band radio show dances at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz. He called races at Bay Meadows for a short time. He also recorded books for the blind for ten years. He was an active member and past commander of San Jose Chapter 11 of the Disabled American Veterans.
You can read more about Peter's life on the Stories of Service website (http:digiclub.org). He was the California co-chair of this organization dedicated to telling the stories of World War II veterans. The site also includes a video written and read by Peter called "Ordinary Heroes." Warren Hegg, executive director of the parent organization, the Digital Clubhouse Network, says, "Peter was one of the greatest. Not only because of his service in World War II…but for all the years he volunteered his time and talent to help other veterans produce their digital stories." Jerry Rosenthal, a fellow World War II veteran, says, "I am sorry not to have been able to tell Peter how I was always in awe of him: his wonderful voice on the radio, the magic of his personality, and the ability to draw people to him. His presence made this world a better place."
Over the years, Peter enjoyed many hobbies including collecting antiques. He belonged to the Antique Car Club of America. From 1956 to 1991, Pete and his brothers owned Radonich Brothers Trucking. He served as president of the California Trucking Association in 1978. For many years, he was a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. Peter was especially dedicated to the Stories of Service organization. On the organization's website, he says, "Stories of Service is building bridges between the generations and keeping the memory of our veterans alive. I hope that you will do what you can to help spread the word about Stories of Service so that hopefully others across America will be inspired to follow our example."
Peter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; two sons Brad and Randy, and one daughter Janet; eight grandchildren Kimberly, Jennifer, Lauren, Bradford, Nik, Courtney, Alex, and Amanda; and three great grandchildren Jacob, Jared, and Brody; brothers Andy and Bill, and sister Nancy Campi.
Services will be held Monday, March 31, 1 p.m., at Darling-Fischer Mortuary, 615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma societies, or donations of blood to the American Red Cross.
Published in San Jose Mercury News on Mar. 29, 2008
Mother's Maiden Name: Desin
Peter John Radonich
On Easter morning, 1945, 19-year-old Peter Radonich was on the deck of the U.S.S. Freestone, waiting to board landing craft for the invasion of Okinawa, the final and bloodiest battle of World War II. Sixty-three years later, on Easter, 2008, Peter Radonich died.
Peter John Radonich was born October 10, 1925 to Billy and Kate Radonich.
Peter grew up in the Summit Road area above Los Gatos with brothers Andy and Bill and sister Nancy. He attended Burrell School and played sports at Los Gatos High School before graduating in 1943. He then attended Pacific School of Radio, studying news writing and broadcasting before working as an intern at radio station KYA in San Francisco.
He was drafted in 1943. He served with the Company C, 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division as an infantryman carrying a Browning Automatic Rifle through the jungles of the Philippines and Okinawa. In Okinawa, he was wounded in both legs, but in twelve days, he was back in the front lines for a total of 82 days. Sergeant Peter Radonich received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio station WVTP broadcasting from Seoul, Korea. He was discharged in 1946.
From 1947 to 1970, Peter was news director for several radio stations, including KEEN, KLIV, KSJO, KSCO, and KLOK. He was an author/writer and a fifty-year member of IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He emceed big band radio show dances at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz. He called races at Bay Meadows for a short time. He also recorded books for the blind for ten years. He was an active member and past commander of San Jose Chapter 11 of the Disabled American Veterans.
You can read more about Peter's life on the Stories of Service website (http:digiclub.org). He was the California co-chair of this organization dedicated to telling the stories of World War II veterans. The site also includes a video written and read by Peter called "Ordinary Heroes." Warren Hegg, executive director of the parent organization, the Digital Clubhouse Network, says, "Peter was one of the greatest. Not only because of his service in World War II…but for all the years he volunteered his time and talent to help other veterans produce their digital stories." Jerry Rosenthal, a fellow World War II veteran, says, "I am sorry not to have been able to tell Peter how I was always in awe of him: his wonderful voice on the radio, the magic of his personality, and the ability to draw people to him. His presence made this world a better place."
Over the years, Peter enjoyed many hobbies including collecting antiques. He belonged to the Antique Car Club of America. From 1956 to 1991, Pete and his brothers owned Radonich Brothers Trucking. He served as president of the California Trucking Association in 1978. For many years, he was a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. Peter was especially dedicated to the Stories of Service organization. On the organization's website, he says, "Stories of Service is building bridges between the generations and keeping the memory of our veterans alive. I hope that you will do what you can to help spread the word about Stories of Service so that hopefully others across America will be inspired to follow our example."
Peter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; two sons Brad and Randy, and one daughter Janet; eight grandchildren Kimberly, Jennifer, Lauren, Bradford, Nik, Courtney, Alex, and Amanda; and three great grandchildren Jacob, Jared, and Brody; brothers Andy and Bill, and sister Nancy Campi.
Services will be held Monday, March 31, 1 p.m., at Darling-Fischer Mortuary, 615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma societies, or donations of blood to the American Red Cross.
Published in San Jose Mercury News on Mar. 29, 2008
Peter John Radonich
On Easter morning, 1945, 19-year-old Peter Radonich was on the deck of the U.S.S. Freestone, waiting to board landing craft for the invasion of Okinawa, the final and bloodiest battle of World War II. Sixty-three years later, on Easter, 2008, Peter Radonich died.
Peter John Radonich was born October 10, 1925 to Billy and Kate Radonich.
Peter grew up in the Summit Road area above Los Gatos with brothers Andy and Bill and sister Nancy. He attended Burrell School and played sports at Los Gatos High School before graduating in 1943. He then attended Pacific School of Radio, studying news writing and broadcasting before working as an intern at radio station KYA in San Francisco.
He was drafted in 1943. He served with the Company C, 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division as an infantryman carrying a Browning Automatic Rifle through the jungles of the Philippines and Okinawa. In Okinawa, he was wounded in both legs, but in twelve days, he was back in the front lines for a total of 82 days. Sergeant Peter Radonich received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio station WVTP broadcasting from Seoul, Korea. He was discharged in 1946.
From 1947 to 1970, Peter was news director for several radio stations, including KEEN, KLIV, KSJO, KSCO, and KLOK. He was an author/writer and a fifty-year member of IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He emceed big band radio show dances at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz. He called races at Bay Meadows for a short time. He also recorded books for the blind for ten years. He was an active member and past commander of San Jose Chapter 11 of the Disabled American Veterans.
You can read more about Peter's life on the Stories of Service website (http:digiclub.org). He was the California co-chair of this organization dedicated to telling the stories of World War II veterans. The site also includes a video written and read by Peter called "Ordinary Heroes." Warren Hegg, executive director of the parent organization, the Digital Clubhouse Network, says, "Peter was one of the greatest. Not only because of his service in World War II…but for all the years he volunteered his time and talent to help other veterans produce their digital stories." Jerry Rosenthal, a fellow World War II veteran, says, "I am sorry not to have been able to tell Peter how I was always in awe of him: his wonderful voice on the radio, the magic of his personality, and the ability to draw people to him. His presence made this world a better place."
Over the years, Peter enjoyed many hobbies including collecting antiques. He belonged to the Antique Car Club of America. From 1956 to 1991, Pete and his brothers owned Radonich Brothers Trucking. He served as president of the California Trucking Association in 1978. For many years, he was a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. Peter was especially dedicated to the Stories of Service organization. On the organization's website, he says, "Stories of Service is building bridges between the generations and keeping the memory of our veterans alive. I hope that you will do what you can to help spread the word about Stories of Service so that hopefully others across America will be inspired to follow our example."
Peter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; two sons Brad and Randy, and one daughter Janet; eight grandchildren Kimberly, Jennifer, Lauren, Bradford, Nik, Courtney, Alex, and Amanda; and three great grandchildren Jacob, Jared, and Brody; brothers Andy and Bill, and sister Nancy Campi.
Services will be held Monday, March 31, 1 p.m., at Darling-Fischer Mortuary, 615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma societies, or donations of blood to the American Red Cross.
Published in San Jose Mercury News on Mar. 29, 2008
Gravesite Details
SGT US ARMY; WORLD WAR II
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