Friday, June 17, 2011

Many Fallen Heroes this week here is ONE



Please support the family of Cpl William J. Woitowicz, 23, of Middlesex, MA.

The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. William J. Woitowicz, 23, of Middlesex, Mass., died June 7 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.


Cpl Woitowicz graduated from Groton-Dunstable Regional High School in 2007 where he played basketball. He joined the Marines shortly after graduating high school. He was an avid biker and was due home in two weeks.
In high school, Cpl Woitowicz earned the nickname "class flirt".

"He was a lady's man," former teacher, Michael Donnelly said, adding that he treated female friends with respect.
Donnely said that Woitowicz was a standout in his high-school engineering class who could have easily gone to college to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, who works as a construction engineer.
"I appreciated him so much because he had good work ethics," Donnelly said. "He was a good man," added Donnelly. "He was a fine student from a wonderful family. He was a son I would be proud to have. It just hurts.”





"Definitely, he lived by his word, and always went out of his way to do good things for his classmates and teachers," said Assistant Principal Marisa Brisson.

"He had an uncanny sense of humor," said Brisson, who was dean of students at the high school when Woitowicz attended. "He was very caring, and I would describe him as a gentle soul."
"He was one of those special kids that you never forget," said Dan Twomey, who was the high school's athletic director. He coached Woitowicz on the freshman basketball team, watched him play junior-varsity basketball and run in the cross-country team.

"More than anything, he was just a funny kid and he had fun with everything he did," Twomey said.

He was very friendly, very outgoing — always, always had a smile on his face,” said neighbor Kristin Lacombe. “Always willing to help you in a time of need. Just an incredible kid.”
From friends:
June 15, 2011
Rose, Kevin, Amanda, and Chris,

I can not put into words how sorry I am for your loss. I have so many memories of Billy, his kind heart, and playful spirit. He was so loved and will be missed by everyone he touched. I wish I could have been there today to hug each of you. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love. ~ Courtney Cunningham, Pago Pago, American Samoa
June 15, 2011
I too wanted to pass on my family's condolences to the Woitowicz family. I had the good fortune of getting to know Billy for a short time when I coached his high school rec. basketball team in 2007. He was a terrific player and athlete, but more importantly, someone who always encouraged the lesser skilled players on the team to keep working hard. I admired his energy and positive attitude and knew he would become a leader. Very sorry to hear of his passing. ~ Tom Rosa, Groton, Massachusetts

June 14, 2011
To Kevin, Rosie,Chris,and Amanda
My family will always be in debt for the sacrifices you as well as Billy have made. He always made me laugh and always left me with a smile. It was an honor to know him. He was taken too soon but will always be remembered. You have our deepest sympathy. Semper Fi. ~ Keith, Tracy & Pat Flanagan, Westford, Massachusetts

June 13, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss My son was in school with your son a few years ago in Georgia He is stationed now in Afghanistan and wishes he could be here to pay his respects. I can not even begin to know how you must be feeling. Even though he died a hero, it does not lessen the pain. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless!!Lisa George ( for Cpl George,Patrick ) ~ Lisa George, Hyde Park, Massachusetts
June 12, 2011
Dear Kevin, Rosie, Chris, and Mandy - our hearts are with you. We were blessed with 8 years of watching Billy grow from a boy to a fine young adult. As a young man he touched our lives and we will never forget him. Much love and prayer is coming your way. Love, Bob and Patty Gettman,Temple, New Hampshire

Cpl Woitowicz's awards and decorations include:
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.
Army parachutist wings
Funeral Mass was held 10am, Thursday, 16 June, at St. Catherine’s Church. Burial followed in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Westford.
Sgt Woitowicz is survived by his parents, Rosemary and Kevin; older brother, Chris; younger sister, Amanda.



*Special thanks to researcher Michelle*
Thank you for your support of our Fallen,
Christine Theaker
Living Legends Team