Keyword: 'World War II' | Herald Community Newspapers

The Herald interviewed Andrew Conlin in his Merrick home as he approached his 100th birthday in 2019. The longtime resident died at 101 on Feb. 7.

Longtime Merokean, storied World War II veteran, dies at 101

Andrew Conlin, a World War II veteran, former New York City police officer and longtime Merrick resident, died Feb. 7, at age 101. His maintained his jovial, fun-loving attitude into his later years, … more

By Andrew Garcia | 2/25/21

Mepham High school gave 95-year-old James Graziano a diploma and a cap and gown.

World War II veteran from North Bellmore dons cap and gown at 95

For North Bellmore native James “Jimmy” Graziano, receiving his high school diploma was better late than never. It was a surprise, in fact, for his 95th birthday. Graziano was on … more

By Andrew Garcia | 1/28/21

Alan Nemser, a 66-year Merrick resident, died on June 10 at the age of 106. He is pictured here at his 100th birthday celebration, with his daughter Erica Nemser-Crowley, enjoying a bloody Mary.

Merokean Alan Nemser, who served in World War II, dies at 106

Alan Nemser, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and spent decades practicing law, “made everyone feel comfortable in his presence,” his daughter, Kathy Nemser, said. … more

By Alyssa Seidman | 7/8/20

Andrew Conlin, of North Merrick, practices the accordion regularly, even at (almost) 100.

North Merokean set to mark his centennial

Interjecting his tales with high-spirited “Bops!” and “Zows!” and bouncing in his armchair, Andrew Conlin was clearly still full of life. His memory was sharp, packed with details of his New York childhood, his service in World War II and his career as a New York City police officer. Conlin even picked up and played his hefty accordion, despite nearing his 100th birthday. more

By Andrew Garcia | 8/1/19

In the Maccabiah Games, Walter Schacherl won several gymnastic medals, including best overall gymnast. The awards are still on display at the Merrick home.

Merokean leaves behind 101 years of rich history

Walter Schacherl’s 101-year life is an encyclopedia of international history and personal strife. As a young man, he escaped Nazi rule in Austria, served in the British Army during World War II and was a star athlete, after witnessing the birth of Israel in the late 1940s — and his legacy does not end there. In the 1950s, he and his wife, Ryfka, moved to the United States, where they raised a family. Schacherl died on March 24, surrounded by his family. more

By Andrew Garcia | 4/4/19

In times of trouble, FDR comes to me

I made a pilgrimage in August to a shining house on a hill surrounded by lush forests. Below was a valley where apple trees grew in neat rows. In the distance was a wide river. This place, this magical place, was an oasis of calm, a landscape perfectly suited for introspection. more

9/14/17

We can all do more to support veterans

For anyone who has not served in combat, it’s impossible to understand the horrors of war. We can try to imagine them, however. We can imagine . . . more

11/10/16

World War II vet celebrates 101 years

The Rothsteins’ home is sprinkled with antique decorations. Drawings of women line the living-room walls, an antique rocking chair sits in the corner, and abstract paintings with hues of reds and blues add color to the walls. more

By Stephany Reyes | 8/26/16

Bernard Otterman and his son, Michael, both former Merokeans, are working on a project to bring educators from across the Middle East to Hiroshima, Japan, to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear war.

War and peace: searching for a nuclear-free world

Fears of another terrorist attack are running high after a series of ruthless strikes in Western Europe and the United States over the past year, perpetrated with semiautomatic rifles and suicide vests. The gravest threat to humanity, however, remains nuclear arms, according to Holocaust survivor Bernard Otterman, 79, formerly of Merrick. It has been so since World War II, he noted. more

By Scott Brinton | 7/19/16

WWII vet recalls first-wave attack in Okinawa

“Over here, Joe! Over here, Joe! You gettin’ sick of that, Joe? ” Japanese soldiers yelled in thick accents. They patroled the jungles of Okinawa Island at night in the hopes of catching American soldiers hiding in the shadows, as World War II was coming to a close in 1945. Army Cpl. Dominick Gualtieri hid in his tank, alongside two other soldiers. They waited until the Japanese retreated to escape the blazing heat and cramped quarters of the tank. more

By Stephany Reyes | 3/23/16