WWII Veteran and East Bridgewater resident James Ingargiola, pictured here in 2021, passed away on Tuesday, May 2 at the age of 97. He was recognized by the Town of East Bridgewater in 2021 for his service with the United States Marine Corps and his battle against COVID-19. (Photo Courtesy Town of East Bridgewater) 
James Ingargiola pictured on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 when he was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Town of East Bridgewater. (Photo Courtesy Town of East Bridgewater)
EAST BRIDGEWATER — Town Administrator Charles Seelig and Veteran Service Officer Christopher Buckley regret to announce the passing of resident and WWII Veteran James Ingargiola.
Ingargiola passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 2. He was 97. Read his full obituary here.
The Town of East Bridgewater recognized Ingargiola, a U.S. Marine veteran and longtime East Bridgewater resident, in April 2021. At the time, he had recently beaten COVID-19 and overcome a lung cancer diagnosis.
At that event, he received a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing his service to the United States and besting the recent health battles. Read more here, and watch a video from the event here.
Ingargiola was fond of singing and had a particular love of Frank Sinatra. He was featured on Anderson Cooper’s “Full Circle” on CNN, during which he also serenaded viewers with Sinatra’s “That’s Life.”
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Ingargiola served during World War II where he attained the rank of corporal. He was a member of the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Division based in Guam and Iwo Jima, and was aboard a ship where he was able to watch the raising of the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945.
Ingargiola left Brockton High School early to enter the military during World War II. He was discharged in 1946, and upon returning home he quickly got married and started a family. Years later, when he was well into his 70s, he was given an honorary degree from Brockton High School as part of the city’s Operation Recognition program.
Then in 1995 he enrolled in Bridgewater State University to pursue a degree in English after one of his daughters — who was a BSU student at the time — presented him with an enrollment form. At the age of 75, he received his college diploma.
Visiting hours will take place today, Monday, May 8, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 98 Bedford St., Bridgewater.
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