William James Papa

The database page for William James Papa

Ussleman and Billy at LZ English, 11/67 Billy at LZ Poly 11/67 Left to right: Back row - Savarese and Longabardi Front row - Bill and Ussleman. 10/06/67 Sergeant Young and Bill Bong Son, November 1967 08 Oct 2003 Bill was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 1, 1945. He is the second of three children born to Salvatore and Teresa Papa. He has two sisters: Mary Rose and Josephine. Bill attended St. Joseph School which was located on Woodland Avenue in Cleveland. From there, he went on to Benedictine High School for two years, later transferring to Garfield Heights High School. He graduated in 1963. He enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College and became active in Sigma Phi Psi fraternity. It was here that he met his soul mate in 1965. He volunteered through the draft in 1967 so he could get on with his plans for the rest of his life. When his service was finished his plans were to get married, have lots of children, a house, a good job....... Bill was a good hearted, confident, wise, quiet, serious minded person, with such a gentle, teasing nature and an admirable sense of honor. He was always optimistic. His humor was subtle, but right to the point. He loved deeply, doted on his nieces: Sharon and Lesley, adored his sisters and was a true and loyal friend to many. How sad it is that he is not here today. His final resting place is Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland. Remembering a beautiful person who entered the army to "get it over" in order to "get on with his life". He did just that on May 5, 1968. His presence on this earth is greatly missed by all who loved him, who called him brother, friend, uncle, nephew, and sweetheart. "OUR TIME WILL COME" 21 Aug 2004 "God sends each person into this world with a special message to deliver, with a special song to sing for others, and with a special act of love to bestow. No one else can speak your message, sing your song, or offer your gift of love." I consider myself so very gifted to know my twin soul. I think of you often and can still see the twinkle in your eye! I am so grateful that you are still trying to protect me. Happy Birthday mojowe@msn.com

13 Oct 2003 The photo above was taken at a fraternity New Year's Eve party December 31, 1965. The circled couple is Bill Papa and his date Mary Jo Larca ... they were engaged to marry in August 1968 when he was scheduled to return from Viet Nam. From a fraternity Brother, Bill Tomsick 10 Mar 2006 I have a NEW page dedicated to Bill and other friends who were lost in Viet Nam at http://www.angelfire.com/art2/art622/pap.html Greg Fisher, Bill Papa, Chuck Heydorn, Terry Kilbane We miss you ALL. From a friend, Bill Tomsick 05 May 2007 Bill Papa Gone 39 years ago today We think of you every day Bill Bill Tomsick 04 May 2008 Bill Papa Terry Kilbane Greg Fisher Fred Vacha We will never forget YOU Bill, you have been gone for 40 years tomorrow. I have thought about you EVERY DAY - Protect and help us who are left behind to mourn. From a fraternity brother, Bill Tomsick 3470 Hitzing Ave, Ft Myers, Fl 33903 capecoralbill@yahoo.com

13 Mar 2006 Thank you for a job well done. Viet Nam still saddens me after all these years with a tinge of guilt when I see the names on the Wall because by the grace of God and a little luck I came back. There must be a reason or explanation for all this heartache each time Viet Nam creeps back into the recesses of my brain but as it happens each time I cannot cypher the content of this enormous loss. It is a search for a puzzle that apparently I will never solve. With deepest affection for your loss, William Carmack maccarmack@yahoo.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 8 Oct 2003
Last updated 08/10/2009