Jacob B. Valerio

Jacob Biancolino Valerio, 91, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at his home.  He was born Wednesday, May 23, 1923 in Hershey to the late James Vincenzo Valerio and Zerafina (Faloni) Valerio, immigrants from the small town of Montefino in the Abruzzo region of Italy.  He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary A. (Troutman) Valerio.

He served in the US Army during WWII receiving numerous decorations and citations including the good conduct medal, American theater service medal, European-African-Middle Eastern theater service medal with 3 bronze stars, victory medal; and earned the Purple Heart.  He served as a tank commander under General George Patton and received a field promotion from sergeant to lieutenant during the war.  In 1943 his parents received a five star banner from the US Government for having five sons in the service at once.  He retired from Hershey Estates after many years of faithful service.  He enjoyed playing softball with his grandson in the church league, and rooting for the Phillies.  He loved God, his family and his country beyond measure, and will be missed dearly.

He is survived by two daughters, Carol Ann Valerio of Palmyra, and Cynthia Lee Becker and husband Carl of Mt. Gretna; two grandchildren, Carl D. Light and wife Ritu of Harrisburg, and Angela M. Koumontzis and husband Dr. P. Dean of MN; six great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by five brothers, Lawrence, Marshall, Dominic, Albert, and Earl; two sisters, Elizabeth Frittelli, and Mary Ranieri.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 20 ^th at 10:30 AM at Fort Indiantown Gap Soldiers and Airman Chapel, Building 0-8, Wiley Road, FITG, Annville, PA 17003 with Pastor Larry Rieck officiating.  Burial with full military honors will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.  Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road,
Camp Hill, PA 17011 or www.pawoundedwarriors.org Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rothermelfuneralhome.com