News

May 29, 2008

FALLEN LEADER SALUTED

By SHERRY LONG slong@timesleader.com

PITTSTON – Soldiers under the command of 1st Lt. Jeff DePrimo said they would follow the platoon leader anywhere.

That’s the greatest compliment any military leader can receive, said Pennsylvania National Guard Chaplain Lt. Col. Douglas Etter during Wednesday’s Mass of Christian Burial for DePrimo at St. Mary, Help of Christians Church.

Etter was one of several people – including friends and family – who eulogized the fallen hero. DePrimo’s family offered humorous and heartfelt tales about the 35-year-old Pittston man, including recollections from his childhood.

But Etter talked about DePrimo the soldier.

Since DePrimo’s death in Afghanistan on May 20, Etter has spoken or corresponded through e-mail with the soldiers DePrimo cared so deeply about and led into battle.

“There is no higher compliment among warriors. He cared more about their welfare than his own. He never asked anything of his platoon he wouldn’t ask of himself,” he said to the nearly 500 mourners in DePrimo’s hometown parish.

Tears fell freely during the Mass at which DePrimo was remembered as a patriotic soldier, accomplished guitarist and devoted son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew and friend.

Pennsylvania National Guard members carried DePrimo’s flag-draped coffin past an honor guard of Patriot Guard Riders and into the church, where he served as an altar server and lector. Then DePrimo’s family – his mother, Helen Ann DePrimo of Pittston, father Joseph DePrimo of Ransom, and sisters Jodi Calabro of Exeter and Danielle DePrimo of Wilkes-Barre -- placed a funeral pall on the casket after the flag was removed.

The somber mood was lightened a bit when several of the songs Jeff DePrimo wrote, composed, produced and performed as a classical guitarist were played during the services.

The Rev. Thomas J. Maloney told the story of how a longtime parishioner pulled out a stool for a young DePrimo to stand on, so the boy could speak into the microphone. He encouraged people to cherish their memories of DePrimo, which would allow him to live on in their hearts.

“His life and death speak volumes about the values of patriotism, dedication and self-sacrifice” that were close to DePrimo’s heart, Maloney said.

During the 90-minute service, Maloney said there was no way to deny the pain that people were feeling over DePrimo’s loss, but people have to accept the sorrow and grieving as a necessary process.

“For him the violence is over. He is in the arms of God. Jesus has taken Jeff to his side,” the priest said. “Let us allow the Lord Jesus to touch us with his healing and his peace.”

Philip Gelso met DePrimo in 1987 when they attended Seton Catholic High School. They’ve been close friends every since. DePrimo graduated with honors from the school in 1991.

“When you become Jeff’s friend, you were a friend for life no matter how much time or distance separated you,” said Gelso, who also recalled DePrimo’s strength, desire to continually improve himself and determination to never give up.

DePrimo was scheduled to be promoted to the rank of captain upon his return from his tour in Afghanistan later this year.

He volunteered to serve overseas so other Guardsmen with children wouldn’t have to leave their families.

DePrimo’s uncle Ronald Gitkos elicited a slight chuckle from the crowd when he recalled how DePrimo, the third grandson in the family, earned the nickname “Mr. Excitement.” As a young child, DePrimo was curious to see what the lever next to his mother’s steering wheel did, so he proceeded to pull on it. The car went into a neighbor’s yard, Gitkos said.

DePrimo’s immediate family – his parents and sisters -- wrote letters, which were read by others.

His mother noted how her son never bragged about his academic, athletic or musical accomplishments, but beamed with pride after completing each portion of his military training.

“He had truly found his niche in his military family,” she said.

DePrimo was a middle child. Sister Jodi is older and sister Danielle is younger. They referred to their brother, whom they both looked up to, as the “bravest man we know.”

They went on to say that he has enriched their lives more than words can say, and although he is gone, they know he will continue to look after them as he always has.

But DePrimo’s father summed it up in one sentence.

“Life will never be the same because without you I am a broken man.”

How to make a donation

Donations in 1st Lt. Jeff DePrimo’s memory can be sent to: Family Readiness Group, Attn.: Christine Healey, D Company, 1st Battalion 109th Infantry, 1308 Susquehanna Ave., West Pittston, PA 18643.

To see

additional photos, visit www.times

leader.com

“His life and death speak volumes about the values of patriotism, dedication

and

self-sacrifice.”

The Rev. Thomas J. Maloney

Eulogizing Jeff DePrimo

Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.

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