Paul F. Biondo

Waltham- Mr. Paul F. Biondo, of Waltham, died Wednesday August 25, 2010 at the Newton-Wellesley Alzheimer’s Center in Wellesley. He was 90.

Born in Waltham on January 22, 1920 he was a son of the late Vincenzo and Vincenza (Moribito) Biondo, and had been a lifelong resident of Waltham. Paul worked as a salesman for P.T. Brake Lining Company in Lawrence for forty-five years until his retirement. Among his hobbies and interests he enjoyed woodworking and tending to his garden.

He served in the United States Army during World War II as an airplane and engine mechanic. He was a proud member of the 5307 Composite Unit known as ‘Merrill’s Marauders’. Named after its leader, Brigiadier General Frank Merrill, this group with no tanks or heavy artillery walked over 1,000 miles through the jungles of Central India and over the outlying ranges of the Himalayan Mountains into Burma. In five major and thirty minor engagements they celebrated defeat of the soldiers of the Japanese 18th Division in their attack on Myitkyina in Japan. This was the climax to four months of marching and combat in these jungles. With the exception of the 1st Marine Division, which took and held Guadalcanal for four months, there was no American force that had as much uninterrupted jungle fighting. The Merrill’s Maurauders enjoyed a reputation of being hard fighters, continuous in endurance, swift-moving and hard-hitting foot soldiers. Paul, among the other soldiers, was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation in 1966.

Paul leaves his children, Paul J. Biondo and his wife, Peg, of Waltham, Ann Marie Copeman of Waltham, Peter V. Biondo of Watertown, Suzanne M. Chapman and her husband, Stephen, of Boston and Carmen J. D’Agostino and her husband, William, of Reston, Virginia; his grandchildren, Wyatt Chapman, Lisa Kiffer, Michael D’Agastino, Katie, Gina, Melissa, and Nicole Biondo, and Angela Copeman; his great-grandchildren, Kelise Biondo and Gus Kiffer. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Paul was the husband of the late Dorothy R. (LaCour) Biondo and brother of the late Delia Oliveri and Amelia Algieri.

Family and friends will honor and remember Paul’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston MA 02108.