High school graduation didn’t go exactly as planned for Louis Picarriello.
He was slated to earn his diploma in 1944, but only this week — and more than 75 years later — did Picarriello receive the precious document from Needham High School.
The special ceremony coincided with Veterans Day eve, WHDH reported. Picarriello, a World War II veteran, had left the classroom to fight abroad. He’d enlisted in the Marines in March 1944, once he turned 18, according WCVB.
Picarriello delighted in the ceremony Wednesday, attended by friends, family and service members.
“I can’t believe this,” Picarriello said, according to WHDH. “Everybody went out of their way, and I appreciate it.”
Picarriello has three children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to WCVB. His friends at the VFW had recently urged Needham school officials to honor Picarriello with the long-awaited diploma.
“We’re really honored that 77 years later, Louis, 77 years later we can present you with a lifetime learning diploma, representing not only your time at Needham High School but a life well lived with an amazing family and, obviously, so many friends and colleagues,” Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst said, according to WCVB.
___
© 2021 Advance Local Media LLC
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
