World War II Vet, Semi-Pro Sports Star Dies at 88

Eugene Fennimore led an accomplished life and loved doing it with his family.

The Morris Plains man died recently in his home at the age of 88, according to his obituary.

Fennimore graduated Morristown High School in 1943 before attending Drake Business School and Rutgers College of Newark. He then served in the United States Navy during World War II on an LST in the Pacific front. Following the war, Fennimore brought occupation troops to Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Taipan in Japan.

Fennimore was also an accomplished athlete, reaching the semi-professional level in baseball, basketball and football.

The veteran was a member of the American Legion Post 433 for more than 50 years, and he and his brother Wally marched in every Memorial Day Parade in the Color Guard as rifle carriers.

Fennimore is survived by his wife, Mimi, one son, four daughters, and five grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to American Legion Post 433, P.O. Box 433, New Providence, NJ 07974.