Jerry Bove  was born in Avondale on March 5, 1909.  His parents were Vincenzo and Mary Bucci Bove, who lived on Baker Station Road. His father was a stonecutter. Jerry was one of 13 siblings: Michael, Anthony, Antoinette, Mattioni, Louise, Sistauf, Paul, Margaret, James, Jerry, and Annie, (his Twin sister), Leon, and Domenic. Michael, Anthony and Paul served during World War I.

Jerry attended Avondale Elementary School, and then went to work to help support his family, as many did during the Depression.  He had several jobs, but principally worked in the mushroom industry, the leading industry of the area.

Jerry’s family and friends called him “Jake”.  He enjoyed playing cards, as well as outdoor activities such as swimming, target shooting, trapping, and deep-sea fishing.  He never married, but enjoyed the company of many girls.  Jerry was remembered as a kind, gentle, man, with a jovial personality.  His nieces and nephews fondly remember his love of children.  Jerry purchased a used 1938 Buick convertible of which he was especially fond.

.

Jerry Bove in Italy

Jerry was drafted into the Army in 1942 and sent to Fort Benning, Georgia for basic training.  He was then sent overseas and participated in the invasion against the Axis forces in North Africa, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored division.  He then participated with the invasion of Sicily, and landed at Salerno, the invasion of Italy.  Jerry later landed at Normandy in France, and

Standing: niece Joan Bove Left to Right: nieces Delores, Patricia, friend Shirley DiStephano

 continued on into Belgium.  His division took the Albert Canal on September 8^th.  The Albert Canal was a strategic canal, between the port of Antwerp and Liege, connecting the Meuse and Scheldt rivers.

The division then prepared and fought to cross into Germany north of Schimmert succeeding on September 18^th.  Jerry was a seasoned soldier surviving two years of combat.  But during this battle, on September 17^th, he was mortally wounded by shrapnel.

Private First Class Jerry Bove Died Of Wounds on September 20^th, 1944.

A Memorial service was held for Jerry at the Eastburn Funeral Home in Avondale on March 26, 1949 followed by Mass at the Church of the Assumption B.V.M, in West Grove.  Jerry Bove was buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Grove on Baltimore Pike, with full military honors rendered by the William H. Fahey Post No. 491 of Kennett Square.  Jerry was awarded the Purple Heart, and European Theater medals.  His Brother Leon also served during War II, as well as several nieces and nephews.