WWII Veteran From East Bridgewater Survives Coronavirus Battle

EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA — James Ingargiola survived WWII, and now at 95, he's won another battle, recovering from a serious case of COVID-19.

Town officials honored the U.S. Marine and longtime East Bridgewater resident with a special citation recognizing both his recovery and his service to his country.

Ingargiola was hospitalized on Feb. 5, after feeling weak and badly dehydrated. He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, where he was diagnosed with COVID-19 the following day. After a brief stay at Sachem Center for Health & Rehabilitation in East Bridgewater, Ingargiola was released on March 23 and has made a full recovery.

Ingargiola not only beat the coronavirus, but has overcome other recent health battle, including a lung cancer diagnosis. So town officials, including Veteran Service Officer Christopher Buckley and Selectmen Vice Chair David Sheedy, organized a special ceremony for Ingargiola at the East Bridgewater Council on Aging.

Sheedy presented Ingargiola with a certificate of appreciation that read:

"The East Bridgewater Board of Selectmen wish to express our appreciation and thanks for the devoted service given to our country by James Ingargiola for his service in the United States Marine Corp during WWII. Our community and its citizens gratefully acknowledge your dedication and work over the last year beating lung cancer and COVID 19. We extend our sincere appreciation for your patriotic service over the years to the Town and its residents."

"I think if we all had some of the strength and dedication that Jim has, we'd all be better people," Sheedy added. "It's really just incredible what you have survived, and I know your family is very proud."

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., Ingargiola served in the Pacific theater of WWII and 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 got to watch the raising of the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945.

Ingargiola spoke of his passion for military service, his positive outlook on life and his recent health battles.

"I love this country so much, and can’t imagine being born and raised anywhere else," Ingargiola said. "It was a tremendous honor to serve, and my whole life I’ve always tried to be a fighter and never give up on anything. This disease was no different."

But Ingargiola admitted he thought he might not beat COVID-19, following his diagnosis. He said he called family members to say goodbye, but still remained committed to fighting the disease. After recovering, Ingargiola said he just wants to spend time with his loved ones.

Among them include 11 children, 25 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. He said of all the things he has accomplished in his life, his family is what he thinks about the most.

"My children mean so much to me, and my grandchildren are all so brilliant," Ingargiola said. "If my great-grandchildren are half as smart as them, I will leave quite a legacy behind, and I am very proud of that. No matter how many more years I have left, I can't ask for anything more than that.