Stanley J. Bezich

SERGEANT STANLEY BEZICH, of 414 Webster Street, Camden NJ was killed in action while serving in Belgium on November 27, 1944. Born in 1922, he was the son of Luca D. (Louis D.) and Jozica (Josephine) Bezich, who had immigrated to the USA from Austria-Hungary with their son Toma (Thomas) in 1909. In 1930 Luca, or Louis as he was known in America, owned the family home at 414 Webster Street. He did not list an occupation on the 1930 Census, however. Stanley was their first child born in America, in 1921. Daughter Carmelia came in 1923, and Anthony in 1925.

Stanley Bezich grew up on Webster Street. His next door neighbor at 416 Webster was the son of a plumber, Robert Miles. Stanley attended the John W. Mickle School at South 6th and Van Hook Street and Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden. After he left school, he operated a record shop at 608 Ferry Avenue in Camden, a short walk from his home. He was a member of the Croatian Union social organization. 

Stanley Bezich was inducted into the United States Army on February 22, 1943. In March of 1944, he married Ada Anacich. He went overseas on June 5, 1944.

Stanley Bezich was survived by his wife and parents, sister Carmelia, and his two brothers, Anthony, who was in the Navy, and Thomas. His body was returned to the United States after the war and he was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Delaware Township (Cherry Hill) NJ on April 12, 1948. He rests with his parents, brother Toma, and sister-in-law Mary C. Bezich.

Camden Courier-Post - February 1, 1938

2 AT MICKLE SCHOOL WIN LEGION MEDALS

Mary Begich and Raymond Kline, members of the 8A graduating class at Mickle School, Sixth and Van Hook Streets, were honored as recipients of American Legion Award medals at graduation exercises.

The exercises were conducted by Mark G. Messinger, principal of the school. Commander John Henderson, of the Post Office American Legion Post, presented the awards. Mary Begich had the additional honor of possessing a perfect report for the past school term.

Members of the class are:

Mary Begich, Pauline Berkeschuk, Elsie Bock, Doris Bonaker, Palmina Delphidio, Betty Fine, Dorothy Goncheroff, Grace Lauria, Teresa Mascio, Milda Melfi, Filomena Parisi, Marian Van Stine, Elizabeth Vitale, Mary Vitale, Vera Waters; Ernest Anthony, Stanley Bezich, James Brandemarte, Martin Di Carlontonio, Carmen Di Gracomo, George Gordon, Raymond Kline, Michael Macorsky, Michael, Mekich, Vedice Romond, Louis Severance, Samuel Shute, Joseph Sohocki and Leonard Sonnenberg.