Daniel L. Georgevich

Daniel J Georgevich, age 91, of Scottsdale AZ passed away at his residence on June 5, 2012. Daniel was born in 1921 in Chicago IL and was a graduate of Tilden Technical Institute in Chicago. Daniel proudly and bravely served his Country as a Paratrooper in WWII. Daniel was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Regiment. He first served in North Africa, then made 4 combat jumps, including Gila, Sicily; Salerno, Italy; Ste. Mere Eglise, France and Nijmegen, Holland. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, St. Vit, Belgium. In May of 1945 while the regiment pushed into Germany, the 82nd liberated the concentration camp Wӧbbelin near Ludwigslust, Germany. Daniel rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant. He earned numerous commendations and medals, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbons, a Silver Star, a Bronze Battle Star, a Bronze Service Arrowhead, and 4 Overseas Service Bars. He was wounded in action June 5, 1944. Daniel served in the 82nd Honor Guard in Berlin at the war’s end. Daniel was a Charter member of the Chicago Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association, serving terms up to, and including Chapter President. He also was a member of the 82nd Airborne Southwest Chapter and served terms on the executive board. He was a member of the Southwest Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, serving terms on the executive board. After the war Daniel worked at Standard Oil Company in Whiting, IN for 20 years as a Pipefitter, then was employed by the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Chicago, IL as a Foreman for Plant Engineering for 18 years before retiring to Scottsdale, AZ., where he owned and operated a business selling automotive paint and body shop supplies. Daniel was an avid collector of stamps, coins and war memorabilia. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Phoenix. Daniel is survived by his wife Margaret E. Georgevich, of Scottsdale, daughter Christine (Michael) Polley, of Midlothian, IL, sons Daniel R. (Christine) Georgevich of Peoria, and Edward Georgevich of Phoenix. He was Grandfather to Christy Adams, of Indianapolis, IN, Tricia (Ernie) Triplett, of Queen Creek, Derek Georgevich, of Chicago IL, Alan Georgevich of Highland, IN, Alissa Georgevich, of Peoria and Great-grandfather to Brody and Bridger Triplett of Queen Creek. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 12, 2012 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. There will be a Mass on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3801 E. Greenway, Phoenix, at 10:30 a.m. Friends wishing to join the family riding in procession to church should arrive at Whitney & Murphy by 9:30 a.m. Special thanks to the staff of the VA hospital, and the Phoenix Fire and Police Departments. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Daniel’s honor to Stand Up and Stand Proud / MANA House, assisting homeless Veterans in Phoenix.