Buffalo WWII soldier lost in 1944 is identified by family and returns home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local family who had wondered for decades what happened to their loved one during World War II finally got closure Thursday.

Nearly 80 years after his disappearance, Bartholomew Loschiavo returned home to the Queen City.

“Uncle Bart passed away and he was the one who brought the family together,” said his great-nephew Bart D’Angelo. “That’s what was going through my mind.”

“It was just love,” said great-niece Anna Schwass. “They just missed him, and they just hoped to find him one day.”

World War II Private First Class Bartholomew Loschiavo entered the Army in 1940. He was deployed to France and Germany and was killed in action in 1944 near Grevenmacher, Luxembourg. He was only around twenty years old.

“Even though he served 65 days in Europe, he was in the National Guard for three years before that,” said his great-nephew Donald Loschiavo. “He really wanted to serve. It was something he wanted to do and we are proud of it. He did it.

Loschiavo’s remains were discovered by local residents and buried in the Grevenmacher parish cemetery.

The U.S. military discovered his remains and he was transferred to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg, where he lay in an unmarked grave for more than 75 years.

“A company called Footstep Researchers gave me all the files on Bart that I needed to research and pointed out where he was,” Donald added.

“There were 5,000 men in this cemetery alone, including Bart, and there are another 96, unnamed,” Donald continued. “I hope other people will do this for their family member and bring them home.”

Last April, the U.S. Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission informed the Loschiavo family that their DNA was a positive match to the unknown remains.

On Thursday, Bartholemew Loschiavo’s remains returned home just days before his 104th birthday Monday, which is Memorial Day.

The casket was flanked by family, National Guard, police and even strangers who showed their respect.

“We couldn’t be more proud of him and what he did for this country,” said his great-nephew David Loschiavo. “That’s really what it’s all about.”

“At first, we were hoping that when he was reported missing, he was still alive,” D’Angelo said. “I think hope turned into belief, but that ended the story. He will be buried with his parents and his brother Matthew.

“This is the end and it’s just sad that his siblings never had the chance to find out the truth,” Donald said.

The funeral and celebration of the life and legacy of Bartholomew Loschiavo, followed by the interment of his body in his hometown, will take place on June 1.