Chester Smurlo

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CHESTER SMURLO, was born in Nanticoke PA on February 8, 1923. He attended grammar school in Nanticoke, and graduated from Nanticoke High School. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Camden, and took residence at 1542 Louis Street, in the mostly Polish-American neighborhood anchored by St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10th and Liberty Streets. He attended Camden High School, where he played on the school football team.

Chester Smurlo was called to his country's service in February of 1943. With the Marine Corps, he trained at Camp Pendleton at San Diego CA, where he was promoted to Private First Class in June of 1943. He was subsequently sent to Oahu in Hawaii. He participated in the battles of Tarawa and Saipan, where he was killed fighting the Japanese on  June 17, 1944.

Chester Smurlo was survived by his father, his mother Stella, and three brothers, Edward, Frank, and Raymond. His funeral was held at St. Joseph's Church at 10th and Mechanic Streets in Camden NJ on June 19, 1948.