Veteran’s Plaque Dedication Ceremony Nov. 17 in Montrose

CORTLANDT, NY — A Veteran’s Plaque Dedication Ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 17 at Montrose Veterans Park. The 2016 honoree is Grace M. Bleier (Rinzivillo).

It is sponsored by the Montrose Business Association; the speaker will be Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi and refreshments are courtesy of Cole’s Market and Montrose Deli.

This is one small way that we can thank those heroes who sacrificed so much for our freedom, Association officials said.

Members of the MBA veterans’ dedication committee include Dennis Malles, Tricia Delamater, Kelly & Pete McKinley, Wayne Treptow, Valerie Schemmer and Eileen Scerra.

Veterans who want to be recognized and receive a personalized citation please contact the Montrose Business Association info@montrosebiz.com.

2016 honoree:

Grace M. Bleier (Rinzivillo)

Date of birth: August 22, 1919

Place: Paragould, AK

Grace Merlene Rinzivillo graduated from Paragould High School in 1938 in the state of Arkansas. In 1941 she graduated St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, TN and was then employed at St. Joseph Hospital from 1941-1943.

Grace served in the US military from November 1, 1943 to January 4, 1946. She completed one month basic training for nurses on November 27, 1943 at Camp Rucker, Alabama. Her military occupation includes: Supervisor and Ward Nurse - General, one year as Neuropsychiatric Nursing Supervisor and four months in Obstetrical Nursing. Grace was ranked Second Lieutenant, stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and then promoted to First Lieutenant on July 18, 1945.

Her decorations include: American Theatre Ribbon and Victory Medal WW2

Formal date of separation was January 4, 1946 at Maxfield, Alabama as First Rank Lieutenant. She served two years, two months and three days of Continental Service.

Grace was also dedicated into the WWII memorial database in Washington D.C. on May 29, 2004.

Grace moved to Montrose in 1951 and has been living in the same house for 65 years. She enjoys spending time with her family with 3 daughters, 1 son, 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She loves a glass of wine, Yankees baseball and enjoying time with her friends.