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Those who quit school for war receive thanks -- and diplomas
By Associated Press
November 12, 2002
FORT MYERS -- Decades after interrupting their studies to defend their country, 40 veterans of World War II and the Korean War living in Lee County were awarded their high school diplomas Monday.
The ceremony at Dunbar High School, complete with caps, gowns and marching to Pomp and Circumstance, honored men originally from 13 states. One of the new graduates had died; Nelson Clark, a native of Elma, N.Y., would be represented by his daughter, Pamela, school district officials said.
The Florida Legislature recently authorized school districts to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who were inducted into the Armed Forces before finishing school.
"It's been personally the most rewarding experience I've had since I've been coordinating recognitions," said Ruth Moon, a secretary in the Lee County superintendent's office. "I think it's long overdue."
Joseph Coscia, at 84 the oldest veteran so honored, quit school to help his father deliver ice in Depression-era Brooklyn. Coscia was taking classes at the police academy, but war interrupted those efforts.
After five years in the Army, Coscia began dabbling in real estate investments and struck it big. He still owns a real estate firm in New York.
"I had to be self-taught," said Coscia, a father of six. "And I did very well."
Frank Curcio joined the Army Air Forces a month shy of his high school graduation in 1944. After a career working for UPS, Curcio, an 80-year-old Bronx native, volunteers at a hospital.
He recently tried to volunteer with the Sheriff's Office, but was rejected because he lacked a diploma. On Monday, that finally changed.
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