Waterbury - Armand J. Compagna, a lifelong resident of Waterbury and communicant of St. Annes Church, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 at Wolcott View Manor. He was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire to Charles and Rene Compagna on April 18, 1919. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera (Baron) Compagna, five brothers and four sisters. Several nieces and nephews survive him, and include, Albert Carangelo, Armand Carangelo, Alberta Righton, Doris Coleman, and Bob Compagna to mention a few of many; also special friends, Linda Purcaro, Lillian Staneslow, Dick and Joyce St. Clair; and numerous residents at Nottingham Terrace. Armand joined the U.S. Army on March 21, 1941 and served until October 9, 1945. He enlisted again on May 21, 1946 and served until August 5, 1952. During this period he proudly served in the Ascension Islands, Japan, the Korea Conflict, and Germany. His awards and decorations during his service were; the Armys prestigious Combat Infantrymen Badge for his service in Korea, where he utilized his training skills in hand to hand combat; Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp; American Defense Medal; WWII Victory Medal; EAMET Service Medal; Army of Occupation Medal (Japan); United Nations Service Medal; NATO Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. He also received several other service awards, ribbons and certificates of recognition for his outstanding service. Armand was a member of the VFW Post 7330 in Oakville. During his service in Germany, Armand was assigned as a Vehicle Maintenance Non Commissioned Officer and was recognized for his outstanding mechanical skills. He attended the Heidenheim Ordinance Technical Center, received his diploma and certification as a Machinist and Tool and Die Setter. In 1952 he decided to return to Waterbury to be with his wife and was honorably discharged. His training in the Army led to employment as a machinist with the Yankee Metal Company in Norwalk. After several years there, he was offered a position with Seymour Smith & Son in Oakville and remained employed as a machinist and tool setter until his retirement in 1981. Armand was known as a mild mannered individual and caregiver by all his friends, they say he would give his shirt away to help someone. Armand resided at Nottingham Terrace where he lived for 29 years until his transfer to Wolcott View Manor in October of 2011. Armand always stated that he "received outstanding care from management and the staff assigned." He will truly be missed by all. A memorial service and burial with full Military Honors will be held at a later date.

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