Commissioner Colleen Bianco Bezich will celebrated the birthday of World War II Navy Veteran Johnny Quinesso Sr. aboard the Battleship New Jersey.
Quinesso served in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer Second Class from 1944 to 1946. He was a radioman aboard the USS LSM-302, and was on duty when the message came through announcing Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. After his military service, Quinesso went on to work in the federal government as an IRS agent for 43 years.
“At 100 years young, John Quinesso Sr. represents the very best of the ‘greatest generation’, and his lifelong service to his country and community deserves recognition,” said Commissioner Bianco Bezich, liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs. “It is an honor to be able to celebrate this milestone birthday with John and his loved ones.”
Since 2001, when the Battleship New Jersey opened as a museum and memorial, Quinesso has been a dedicated volunteer. He is deeply committed to educating younger generations about the ship and its history, and in 2020, he raised funds through social media to support the Battleship while it was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic