USS SLC...Enlisted Navy...Angelo P. Biondo, S1c

Angelo P. Biondo passed away on Oct. 29th, 2016 at the age of 92. Information from daughter in law Kathy Biondo.

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Nov. 29th, 2016

Hi Sandy. I am Angelo's daughter in law, Kathy Biondo, married to his #4 son, John. I'm sorry to inform you that Angelo went home to heaven to be with his Savior and his beloved Marie. He passed away on October 29, 2016, one month ago, at age 92.

We had a first class send off with two members of Angelo's American Legion post that gave a great brief history of the Salt Lake City at the wake. Attached is a picture of the SLC display that was next to his casket. Please note the replica SLC that Jim Biondo had made for Angelo about 7 years ago. Angelo was so very proud of his WWII Navy service aboard the Swayback Maru.

At the cemetery the next day for the burial, two enlisted Navy men graced us with the playing of Taps and the flag folding ceremony. There wasn't a dry eye among the many family and friends gathered at the grave site on that beautiful fall day.

Words can't express how much Angelo will be missed. Jim's a little busy these days so I thought I'd get this information to you so that the website can be updated.

Thanks very much for your help.
Blessings to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Kathy Biondo

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Mar. 8th, 2000

Dear Sandy,

I want to check-in with the historian of our Galant Ship, SLC. Jim O'Hara, and now Herbie Pelham, two who I've spent much time with, tells me how you have used this marvelous technology to spread the good deeds of the Swayback Maru.

As I have said so many times, if it hadn't been for galant ships as the Salt Lake City, we would all be speaking Japanese.

Keep the good work going, your rewards will be great.

Oct. 10th, 2000

I was instrumental with the Reunion the SLC had in Chicago back in 1981. I kept the Chicago bunch informed on the activities of the SLC. We had 26 on our mailing list and six or eight went to each of the Reunions. My big concern these days is being a member of the American Legion of Illinois, Beverly Hills Post #407 in Chicago. I've been its Commander since 1994 and still get a kick running it. I'm still active in Amateur Radio, and that is where I get the N9OAX...my call sign.

Angelo Biondo, "6th" and "C" Divisions

Sept. 9th, 2001

I came aboard the SLC on my Nineteenth birthday, August 7th...some present. I stayed on board for the rest of the war, till January 30 1946 in Longbeach, California.

I think I've told you before; I couldn't keep a steady job. I began in the Sixth Division deep down in the 5-inch ammunition magazine three decks below the waterline. Three months later I was transferred to the Captain's gig, now that was more like it. Six months later I was to go onto the V12 Program of Officers Training, but the war was in full swing, and instead, was transferred to the "C" Division as a "radioman striker" learning the Morse code, and the best part of the ship.

I spent three of the best years of my life as a crewman on the Sway-Back-Maru and enjoyed every bit of it.

Angelo Biondo

SLC Deck Log Aug. 1943
#11 in the 6th Division, 1944
Radio Gang List from James Murphy
5th Reunion in Lincolnshire, IL., 1981 Reunion