NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A local World War II army veteran was honored in a special way during Hillhouse High School’s graduation ceremony in New Haven Thursday evening.
Paul Panagrosso, 98, was invited to walk the stage with fellow graduates after missing out on his own ceremony back in 1944.
“I’m a really lucky man to be here,” Panagrosso said. He completed his required academic achievements in 1944, at what was then known as New Haven High School but was called to service two weeks before his graduation.
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“I tried, I was in basic training, and I tried to get home for the time and they said no way you have to finish it,” shared Panagrosso.
His mother did receive a diploma in the mail, but Panagrosso wasn’t there to walk the stage himself. Fast forward 80 years, he was finally handed a diploma at the 2024 Hillhouse high school graduation ceremony.
The army veteran courageously fought in the Battle of the Bulge and became a prisoner of war under the Nazi regime for five-and-a-half months.
"I came out of it OK,” said Panagrosso. “Just my feet bother me periodically but other than that I function okay, I have a fantastic family.”
Panagrosso’s family was there to witness the special moment. They never expected they’d get to see him in a cap and gown.
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“It’s great to see your grandfather graduate. He looks good in the gown too,” said Chris Barbiero, Panagrosso’s grandson.
His daughter, Dawn Panagrosso, added, “It’s a privilege. Absolutely a privilege.”
This all came about thanks to Paul’s son reaching out to the school district, a fitting gift ahead of Father's Day.
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