Clarksburg World War II Casualty Returns Home for Burial

Print Story | Email Story
Marine Pvt. Erwin King
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Marine Pvt. First Class Erwin S. King returns home on Friday, more than eight decades after he marched to war.
 
King, who grew up on West Road, was killed in action during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. He remains had been buried temporarily with nine of his comrades on the island. There were several unsuccessful attempt to recover the bodies and it was not until 2018 that King's gravesite was uncovered. 
 
His family was notified in May that his remains had finally been identified.
 
The 18-year-old had enlisted only six weeks after Pearl Harbor and never returned home. On Friday, his body will be escorted by veterans organizations and police from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut to Clarksburg Town Hall, where a wreath-laying will be observed at approximately 3 p.m. 
 
The procession will then proceed to Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home on West Main Street, passing Veterans Memorial Park at Center and Eagle Street. Those wishing to pay respects should be there between 3 and 3:15 p.m. 
 
The wake will be held at Flynn & Dagnoli's West Chapels on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. 
 
King will be buried next to his parents, Erwin C. and Emelia LaFountain King, in Southview Cemetery on Tuesday, 82 years to the day he was killed.
 
A group including King's family members will be at the airport when he arrives from Hawai'i around 1 p.m. The wake on Monday will be open to the public and a funeral service will be held Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  
 
A graveside service will include full military honors beginning at noon at the cemetery. 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Healey, Driscoll Outline Municipal Funding Plans at MMA Conference

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

The conference ran 'The Tonight Show' skit that had three Boston stars reading off the names of all 351 cities and towns. 
BOSTON — The Healey administration's 2027 budget will include boosts a 4.4 percent boost to local aid of more than $10.4 billion. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll have the Massachusetts Municipal Association's annual conference a small preview of the upcoming budget and other initiatives at Friday morning's opening session.
 
Healey expounded on her State of the Commonwealth address given Thursday night, and the state's efforts to maintain its even keel despite a less than helpful federal government.
 
"They're driving prices up and they're making things more difficult for all of us, whether that's freezing food and health benefits or cutting off services with for veterans," said the governor. on Friday. "Last month we're dealing with taking away health care. I mean, the hits just keep coming. But you know, we just have to stand strong together. 
 
"And I think now more than ever, we just need to double down on our partnership and our collaboration."
 
She reminded the gathering during her talk that America was founded because of Massachusetts, and that we still vote in town meetings, and play catch on town commons where the militia once drilled. 
 
"I think we can be a really positive response and a role model, frankly, for the country right now, people who are looking for stability, common sense, and a focus on their lives, what matters to them," the governor said. 
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories