IN MEMORIAM: Richfield Springs’ Chet Scerra, 93;
Paratrooper Received U.S., Italian, French Medals
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Chester A. “Chet” Scerra, 92, the decorated World War II paratrooper, passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, in Albany Medical with his family by his side.
He was born in Herkimer on Nov. 3, 1921, the son of Dominick and Pauline Lombardi Scerra, and he attended Herkimer schools.
He married Anne Martellotti on Aug. 8, 1942 in St. Anthony’s Church, with the Rev. Gustav Purficato officiating. Anne passed away on Feb. 6, 1985.
In World War II, he served in the Army’s 390th Paratroop Battalion, 98th Infantry Division, assigned to the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA, serving with Donovan’s Devils. He was honorably discharged on July 17, 1945.
He received the Italian Cross of War Merit, and the European, African and Middle Eastern Service Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and the Good Conduct Medal. He was also the recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries sustained on Feb. 8, 1944, in Italy.
In 2012, he received France’s highest award, the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honnneur. In 2010, he was inducted into the state Senate Veterans Hall of Fame by state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford.
After the war, Chet purchased the Herkimer Bus Terminal, which he operated with his wife, Anne. He worked for Central Steel and later Zaffarelli Construction on Long Island. The Scerras operated Chet’s Diner in Herkimer until his retirement in 1989.
He was a member of the OSS Society, VFW Post #4915, TR George Post and the Operating Engineers Union, Syracuse. He was a communicant of Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church and a member of its Crusaders.
He is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Chester Jr. and Kathy Scerra of Webster and James Scerra of Saratoga Springs; two daughters, Paula (James) Franco of Herkimer and Mary Ellen Scerra of Richfield Springs; 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Clara Bonfardeci and Theresa Bifora and one brother, August Tassa.
The funeral mass was planned for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Herkimer. Entombment was to be in the family mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours were 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, Herkimer.
Memorial contributions may be made to LifeNet 7-2, 3966 State Rt. 30A, Fultonville, NY 12072.
