Community Encouraged to Line Route for Return of Cpl. Trepasso to Fulton

FULTON – Central New York residents are encouraged to pay their respects to a deceased Korean War veteran whose remains are being returned to Fulton on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Cpl. Joseph Trepasso of Fulton is being re-patriated back home after being identified as a casualty of the Korean War.

He served with L Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment., 7th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. He was a combatant in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea and the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat, the Combat Infantryman Badge and other campaign medals.

The public is invited to stand with flags along the route to Foster Funeral Home from NYS Route 481 into Fulton. The motorcade is expected between noon and 12:30 p.m.

The route will proceed from Route 481 to State Route 3 at Gosch Supply, turn right and go up the hill to South Seventh Street, turn right on South Seventh Street, and then turn left onto Fay Street to Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay St., Fulton.

“We urge our community to come together to honor Cpl. Joseph Trepasso and to share with his family our gratitude for his service to our nation,” said Donna Kestner, Director of the Oswego County Veterans Service Agency.

Cpl. Trepasso is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at Foster Funeral Home.

A graveside ceremony with full military honors will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at St. Mary’s Cemetery on South Seventh Street in Fulton.

All military organizations are also encouraged to participate whenever and wherever possible.

Memorials are requested in his honor to V.F.W. Post 569, 216 Cayuga St., Fulton, NY 13069.

In late November 1950, Cpl. Trepasso’s regiment was attacked by the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.

Trepasso was declared missing in action as a result of the battle.

In September 2001, a U.S. and Korean People’s Army recovery team conducted a joint recovery operation in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, Changjin County, Changjin District, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea, based on information provided by two Korean witnesses.

During the excavation, the team recovered material evidence and possible human remains for at least seven individuals, including Cpl. Trepasso. missing or outdated ad config

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