Memorial Day is always marked by special observances at the Water Oak community in Lady Lake — but Monday was a bit extra special, because they honored their beloved resident, World War II veteran Joe Maisevich, 96, who passed away March 17.
“Our theme today is ‘no one will be forgotten,'” president of the Water Oak Veterans Club (WOVC), Jerry ‘D’ Dufresne, intoned — directing a POW/MIA flag to be draped on an empty chair on the ceremonial platform. “NO ONE will be forgotten. Thank you to all the veterans here, and their loved ones, for the part you played in giving us the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Residents Bonnie and Tom Kelly sat among hundreds taking in the ceremonies under the shade of huge moss-covered live oak trees. A Vietnam veteran, Tom Kelly said they come out every Memorial Day to honor the fallen.
Special tribute was paid to Maisevich, a widower who passed away this year.
“Joe never took a pill, and didn’t drink — yet he lived to 96. He walked all around with his pet parrot on his shoulder, and he and his wife were ballroom dancers. They enjoyed life — that’s the secret. Maybe we all need to do that!” Dufresne quipped.
Walt Meyers recalls neighbors being concerned when they saw Maisevich lying on the ground one day — only to find out he was trying to coax his pet parrot down from a perch high up in a tree.
“He was a wonderful guy,” Meyers recalled.
“Joe began his military career in 1938,” Dufresne said, tearfully missing his good friend. “He was with the 101st Airborne Division. As Army paratroopers, they parachuted into Belgium. Joe was seriously wounded during the Battle of the Bulge — and received the Purple Heart and other commendations.”
A commemorative brick was awarded to resident Al Knight, who served as Maisevich’s Honor Flight guardian on March 26, 2013; and to his neighbor, Marion Curtiss, who helped take care of him.
Dufresne jokingly referred to the lipstick on his face and collar Joe treasured from his return flight from Washington D.C., and the amazing reception the World War II veterans received when they returned to American Legion Post #347.
Resident Danny Rebecca played taps with his flawless trumpet and sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” in his melodious voice. Audience members were gearing up to return to the Water Oak Clubhouse later in the afternoon for a barbecue celebration.
