Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 21, 2024 REMEMBERING| FROM PAGE 11 special trip to France last year. There, they met a war reenactor who took them on a tour to the place where DeFranzo fell on June 10, 1944, in Vaubadon. Call said she also went to the beach where her uncle landed “in the second wave between 11 o’clock and Noon” and she threw the rose petals that he had picked up in England before the Normandy landings. The relatives broke out some scrapbooks with old news clips, which continues every time there’s a family function that focuses on Staff Sgt. DeFranzo. “All of us were born years before he died, and we’re learning more about him as the years go by and we’re trying to keep his legacy alive,” Call said. “His memory is alive in the rest of us. He has brought this family back together,” she said. Call called DeFranzo “a very family-oriented man who was very dedicated to his family and devoted to his mother.” “He was having $60 of his paycheck sent to his mother GRADUATION| FROM PAGE 6 remained united, eager to explore the mysteries of high school life and create lasting memories together.” Salutatorian Muhammad Fazeel, of Winthrop, told classmates that despite having different paths through high school, each graduate shared a common goal of excellence. “Standing before you today fills me with immense pride and gratitude. We are here to celebrate a significant milestone in our lives, the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication. Each of us has traveled a unique path through this school, pursuing different shops and pathways. Yet today, we stand united, side by side, in the same field,” said Fazeel. “Throughout high school, we had the opportunity to explore various careers – from robotics to plumbing, electrical to cosmetology, business tech to health assisting, and many more. Despite the diversity of our trades, we shared a common goal: to excel in our chosen fields and prepare for the future. This shared ambition created a sense of unity among us, showcasing the breadth of our collective achievements and bridging the gaps between our various shops.” every month. He was a compassionate person. His father died two years before Arthur died. So, everything revolved around his mother.” DeFranzo had four brothers and six sisters. He was a 1938 graduate of Saugus High School. Two years later, he became the first man in Saugus to volunteer for military service, according to a May 28, 1995, column in The Boston Globe by Jeremiah V. Murphy that was included in the scrapbook. At age 25, DeFranzo was also the first Saugus man killed during the D-Day invasion. “It was Arthur DeFranzo and men like him that enabled the allies to win World War II and preserve our freedom,” Murphy wrote in his column. “So the years have gone by and the memories have become misty. We should never forget Arthur DeFranzo and the men like him who served so valiantly.” DeFranzo was in the 100th American Infantry Division in the 18th Infantry Regiment of “The Big Red One.” He received the Silver Star because of his bravery during the liberation of Mandeville-en-Bessin. He PHILANTHROPY | FROM PAGE 7 ban League of Eastern Massachusetts, and Lena Park Community Development Corporation. Most recently, she served as the Director of Advancement at Cathedral High School in the South End; Amy provided leadership to a team of development professionals, raising $2.8 million annually. During her time at Cathedral, she provided vital support and oversight to Cathedral’s successful $60 million Cathedral Now, Cathedral Forever campaign, ensuring A gathering of relatives of Arthur DeFranzo shared stories about him last Monday on the 80th anniversary of June 10, 1944, when he died for his country. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) lost his life in the fields behind Chateau de Vaubadon. The Citation for the Medal of Honor he received posthumously tells the story of his gallant sacrifice: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit that the school will remain open for the next 100 years. “I am incredibly excited for Amy to join our team,” said Denella Clark, President and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. “I am confident her extensive experience with diverse organizations and proven track record for successful fundraising will help us reach our goals to create the best opportunities for our deserving students at the Boston Arts Academy,” Clark said. Amy is a Massachusetts native of Raynham and currently resides in Saugus. She received her bachelor’s degree at Gordon College, ma1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/ Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2 machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1 the enemy emplacements joring in Social Work, and two master’s degrees from Bryn Mawr College, including a Master’s in Law and Social Policy and a Master’s in Social Service. When Amy is not raising funds for Boston’s youth, she is an active member of Calvary Christian Church and Good Hope Inc. in Lynnfield, MA. In her spare time, she enjoys watching both the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, and in the summer, you may see her out with her husband on their Harley-Davidson. About the Boston Arts Academy Foundation: The Boston Arts Academy Foundation, an independent became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company’s advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.” 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1999 with a crucial mission. It exists to bridge the gap between the Boston Arts Academy’s allocation from Boston Public Schools and the true cost of a high-quality, arts-intensive, and college preparatory education. Each year, the foundation relies on the support of foundations, corporations, and individual donors to ensure the school can continue to offer a comprehensive arts and academic education. Your support is instrumental in shaping the future of Boston’s young artists and performers. ROOTS | FROM PAGE 8 gland University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership/School Administration from Cambridge College. “I am thrilled to be stepping into the role Northeast Metro Tech Principal and Deputy Director Carla Scuzzarella is shown holding her Educator of the Year Award as she was flanked by her sons, Rob and Mike Scuzzarella, last fall. (Courtesy photo of Northeast Metro Tech) of Middle School Associate Principal for the upcoming school year. Having been a part of this incredible community as the Middle School Assistant Principal this past year, I look forward to building on the many positive steps we have taken to improve the overall culture of the school and to continue creating opportunities for student success,” Micu said. “I am committed to working tirelessly alongside our dedicated staff, parents/guardians, and students to ensure that Saugus Middle School continues to be a place of growth, learning, and inclusivity.”
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