World War II veteran, Camp Lejeune legend Marion Carcirieri remembered as a leader, mentor

Calvin Shomaker, The Daily News
·2 min read
Retired Sgt. Maj. Marion P. Carcirieri stands in front of a photograph of himself at Camp Geiger Marine Mart, August 2013. Carcirieri fought at the Battle of Okinawa, in the Korean War and in the Vietnam War during his 31-year Marine Corps career.
Retired Sgt. Maj. Marion P. Carcirieri stands in front of a photograph of himself at Camp Geiger Marine Mart, August 2013. Carcirieri fought at the Battle of Okinawa, in the Korean War and in the Vietnam War during his 31-year Marine Corps career.

Very few people have lived a life as rich and full as Marion Carcirieri.

The retired sergeant major passed away earlier this month after more than seven decades of service.

After serving 31 years in the Marine Corps, Carcirieri, simply known as Cass, served an additional 45 years as a Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) employee.

“Marion Carcirieri, better known as Mr. Cass, was a true local legend and a beloved MCCS leader,” said Sarah Wiltgen, assistant chief of staff, MCCS, Marine Corps Installations East.

A veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Carcirieri was wounded just once.

“It’s a miracle I made it through all of them,” Carcirieri told The Daily News in 2020 days before his 95th birthday.

More: World War II veteran reflects on life dedicated to the Marine Corps

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Marion "Cass" Carcirieri poses for a photo at his office on Camp Geiger in December 2020 while standing next to a picture of himself with his weapon of choice, a .30 caliber water-cooled machine gun, circa 1955.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Marion "Cass" Carcirieri poses for a photo at his office on Camp Geiger in December 2020 while standing next to a picture of himself with his weapon of choice, a .30 caliber water-cooled machine gun, circa 1955.

More: Obituary for Sgt. Major (Ret) Marion “Cass” Carcirieri

Carcirieri managed several Marine Corps Exchange facilities across Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, but he preferred being around the young Marines from the School of Infantry at the Camp Geiger Marine Mart, according to Robert Jones, retail director with MCCS Lejeune-New River.

“Mr. Cass loved nothing more than being close to the young Marines each and every day,” Jones said.

Born in Maryland in 1925, Carcirieri was a farm laborer during the days of the depression. In March of 1944, he enlisted in the Marines and went on to participate in the Invasion of Okinawa, his obituary said.

In 1974, Carcirieri retired after serving as Sergeant Major at the Camp Lejeune Rifle Range, according to his obituary.

“He was a man of faith,” his obituary said. “He was a devout Catholic and was a longtime member of Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Jacksonville.”

“Mr. Cass’s 76 years of service to his country is a rarity, and we are both fortunate and proud to have called him a member of our team,” Wiltgen said. “His legacy will go on through the countless lives he influenced, and his dedication to serving the Marines of Camp Geiger will not be forgotten.”

“He was a great leader and mentor to many MCCS employees throughout his 45 year career,” Jones said. “We will miss him dearly.”

Reporter Calvin Shomaker can be reached at cshomaker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: World War II veteran, Camp Lejeune legend Carcirieri passes away at 96