After 80 years of uncertainty, the family of Private First Class Bartholomew C. Loschiavo can finally lay him to rest with the honor he deserves. Born on May 27, 1920, in Buffalo, NY, Bartholomew was the second youngest of 11 children of Sicilian immigrants Agostino Loschiavo and Concetta Caito. His great-nephew, David Loschiavo, General Manager at RCM Thermal Kinetics, and his family played a pivotal role in the efforts to identify their great-uncle’s remains.
Uncle Bart, as he was known to his younger family members, entered the military on September 16, 1940, serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II. Tragically, he was killed in action on October 1, 1944, while fighting German troops near Grevenmacher, Luxembourg.
Bart was declared MIA in 1944 since his remains were not found and there was a possibility he had been taken by the German soldiers as a POW. After the German surrender and subsequent liberation of all US POWs Bart’s death was confirmed to the Loschiavo family in late 1945. Unknown to U.S. Army officials, his remains were discovered by local residents and buried in the Church Cemetery of Grevenmacher. In the late 1940s, U.S. military personnel visited Grevemacher and were informed that they had buried a U.S. soldier. The military transferred these remains to the Luxembourg American Cemetery, where he rested in an anonymous grave for over 75 years.
This has been a process our family has been talking about for 80 years. Our great-uncle went missing and is now home with family.
Donald Loschiavo
The quest to uncover Bart’s final resting place began in 1996 with his nephew, Augustine Loschiavo, who conducted the initial military research. Augustine’s son, Donald Loschiavo, furthered the investigation years later through social media to gather crucial information from veterans groups. After making a case to justify testing the remains, in April 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) confirmed that the anonymous grave in Luxembourg held PFC Bartholomew C. Loschiavo, identified through DNA analysis involving three nephews and a grand-niece.
“This has been a process our family has been talking about for 80 years. Our great-uncle went missing and is now home with family,” said Donald Loschiavo. The family is working with the ABMC and Lakeside Funeral Home to finalize arrangements for Bartholomew’s military funeral.
The Loschiavo family, which includes more than 120 family members and grand-children through the 11 siblings of Bart’s generation, will gather in Buffalo from various parts of the country, including Georgia and Arizona, to honor their uncle. Uncle Bart’s great-nephew, David Loschiavo, remarked, “It’s actually pretty overwhelming. It’s a big family. He was one of 11 children. All of his siblings have passed, but he has 16 nieces and nephews, including my father. We’ve all heard the story over the years and it means a lot to many people.”
David Loschiavo shared, “It’s great to bring closure for every generation in our family, those which may have never met one another, but share this journey into our family heritage” The family’s perseverance and dedication have finally brought Bart home, where he will be remembered and celebrated for his bravery and service.
It’s great to bring closure for every generation in our family, those which may have never met one another, but share this journey into our family heritage.
David Loschiavo
This year, May 27th marks Bart’s birthday on Memorial Day. A funeral service for PFC Bartholomew C. Loschiavo will be held on June 1 at Lakeshore Memorial Funeral Home in West Seneca, NY, followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The public is invited to pay their respects and honor a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
RCM Technologies is proud to support David and his family during this historic and significant moment. Just as DNA tests and scientific advancements helped solve this case, progress is essential to the various industries we serve. David’s dedication to both his family and his professional life at RCM Thermal Kinetics exemplifies our commitment to making a difference through perseverance and honor.
Details of Arrival and Services:
- May 23, 2024 5:35 PM: PFC First Class Bartholomew Loschiavo’s remains will arrive at the Buffalo International Airport. A sheriff and military escort will take 10 of Bart’s nieces and nephews ranging in age from 75 – 86 to the plane on the tarmac for a honors service before escorting him to the funeral home. The family will join the escort and welcome Bart home once he is transferred into the building by the officers.
- June 1, 2024 – 10:00 AM: Visitation will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home, 1340 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224
- June 1, 2024 – 11:30 AM: Prayers and eulogy by family
- June 1, 2024 – Noon: PFC First Class Bartholomew Loschiavo’s Bart’s remains will be transferred to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3063 Harlem Rd, Buffalo, NY 14225
- June 1, 2024 – 12:30 PM: Full Military Honors at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 3063 Harlem Rd, Buffalo, NY 14225