Braintree 'Lost A True American Hero': Kokoros On Varosso's Death

BRAINTREE, MA — William Varosso, 94, a WWII veteran and former Braintree police officer, died last week.

Mayor Charles Kokoros said he was blessed to have a close friendship with Varosso, a man Kokoros described as a "true American hero."

"Bill sacrificed his life for god and country in WWII, receiving the Purple Heart and never complained about the physical and emotional scars he had to carry for the rest of his life," Kokoros said in a statement. "Officer Bill was a kind and compassionate police officer to all he encountered, especially the thousands of children he taught safety and respect to over the years, myself included. I was blessed to have such a close friendship with a man who was larger than life and will I miss his wisdom, with and incredible kindness."

Varroso joined the United States Navy when he was 18. On July 24, 1945, Varroso was aboard a destroyer, the USS Underhill, which was leading a convoy of tank landing ships. Two "suicide submarines," typically operated by one Japanese sailor armed with 3,000 pounds of explosives, rammed the Underhill, splitting the ship and causing it to sink in the Pacific Ocean. Out of the 236 sailors aboard the Underhill, 122 survived, including Varroso.

"We as a department, will send off Officer Bill with the respect he earned due to his lifetime of service to his country, the Town of Braintree, and his countless hours of volunteer work," police said in a statement. "Our most heartfelt condolences go out to Officer Bill's children, grandchildren and the Varroso Family."