BELLO, FRANK

BELLO, FRANK

Frank Bello

Navy

Middle Island

Frank Bello was born on Feb. 1, 1910 in Calabria, Italy. At the age of five, he immigrated to the United States with his widowed mother, taking up residence on the lower eastside of Manhattan. On Sept. 28, 1940, Frank married Anne Rupolo of Coram (sister of Thomas Rupolo) and built their family home there. Their son, Robert, was subsequently born on May 1, 1942. Frank was inducted into the U.S. Navy on January 14, 1944. He served in the Atlantic on board a submarine chaser while stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He then served in the Pacific Theater, participating in engagements at Saipan, Guam, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and in Korea at the end of hostilities. He was attached to the LCS Flotilla Three, Service Squadron 10, serving as a Motor Machinist's Mate, Third Class (MOMM3C). Frank received the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 1 star, the American Theater Medal, the Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 stars, and a Naval Unit Citation. Frank was discharged from the service on March 3, 1946.

Upon his return to Coram, Frank became an active member of the Coram community. He, along with several others, successfully petitioned for the establishment of St Francis Cabrini R.C. Church in Coram. Subsequently, he was instrumental in founding Boy Scout Troop #64; and acted as the troop leader for many years. He joined the Coram Volunteer Fire Dept. and was a member of the Selden Chapter of the American Legion, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Medford Unit.

Written by

Sharon Hickman

Feb. 2007