Honoring Troy’s Veterans

Every Sunday through Veteran’s Day, The Record will publish brief profiles of the brave men and women honored by their family and friends with banners hung around Troy through the work of the Troy Military Banner Committee. To honor a veteran, contact the committee by email at troybanners@gmail.com, on Facebook at www.facebook. com/troymilitarybannercommittee or through its website at www.troymilitarybanners.com.

Lawrence Bizzarro

Bizzarro was born in Hoosick Falls, the son of Saverio and Beatrice Bizzarro. He was one of eight siblings and halfbrother to another.

He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, La Salle Institute, Siena College and Brooklyn Law School, but his education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, fighting in the Battles of Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.. He was decorated with the American Theatre Medal, European/African/Middle Eastern Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Bizzarro’s legal career included time as an assistant Rensselaer County district attorney and two stints as deputy corporation council for the city of Troy. He was appointed as Rensselaer County public defender, but resigned to take a job in the state Attorney General’s Office. He was appoited by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller as Rensselaer County Court judge.

Bizzarro married Mary Maroli and had three children, Saverio, Lawrence and Victoria, as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He served as president of the Italian Community Center, as well as tThe Old Timer’s Association of the Troy Boys Club, and was also a member of the board of directors of the Boys Club. Bizzarro died at age 55 on June 11, 1977, from complications of prostate cancer.

George McCabe

McCabe was the son of Frank and Helen McCabe and had three sisters, Helen, Margaret and Jean. The family home was on Ingalls Avenue, next to Kellerher’s Bakery. McCabe was first reported missing in action, but his family was later notified he was killed in action in France. He was awarded the Purple Heart and laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

McCabe’s banner can be found at 1521 6th Ave.