OBITUARIES

Erwin Shaftsbury King, 18

09/24/1942

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Marine Pvt. First Class Erwin Shaftsbury King of Clarksburg was killed in action in the Battle of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in the Pacific Theater at the age of 18 on Sept. 24, 1942.

Born in Shaftsbury, Vt., on Aug. 11, 1924, a son of Erwin Cornelius King and Emilia LaFountain King, he attended Drury High School in North Adams and enlisted in the Marines on Jan. 2, 1942.

Known as "Shazzy," he served in Baker Company, First Battalion of the 7th Marines, and was killed in combat six days after arriving on the island.

King's three sisters and two brothers, Lucille King LaBonte, Gertrude King Clarke, Eva King Gruner, Francis "Pat" King and George "Jud" King are deceased.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews including Judith LaBonte Richard of Warner, N.H., Lynda LaBonte Pruden of North Pownal, Vt., Bruce LaBonte of Bradenton, Fla., and Mark Clarke of North Adams.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A service to celebrate the life of Pvt. King will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, the 82nd anniversary of his death, at 11 a.m. at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams. Burial with military honors will follow in Southview Cemetery.

Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday, Sept. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Obituary Provided By: Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Til Valhalla
from: Sgt Rourke, USMC Ret	on: 09-20-2024

Welcome home. Thank you for your service . May you ret in peace!
from: David Daniels	on: 09-19-2024

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. King. His ultimate sacrifice for our freedom will never be forgotten. My father was also a Marine and fought at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Peleliu and Cape Gloucester and again during the Korean War. It is such a true testament that they were the greatest generation. While I don’t know for sure but considering they were both close to age and from our area it’s possible they may have been friends. It’s truly an honor and a blessing to know that Mr. King has made his way home.
from: Arthur Barbeau Jr	on: 09-19-2024

Thank you for posting a true example of what our freedom means to us. Let’s just say he was founding member of the Greatest Generation. I myself survived the Viet Nam war at age 19 and I live my life in memory of those who did not return. You have a very proud family. Jack Esposito New Hampshire (formerly from North Adams )
from: Jack Esposito	on: 09-19-2024

May God bless you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy young man.
from: Pam & Tom Kidder	on: 09-18-2024

God bless you Sir & thank you for your service. My Dad was also a proud Marine, he was fortunate to make it home, May both of you rest in peace knowing that your families loved you.
from: Patty Holmes-Alcombright	on: 09-18-2024

Welcome home, Thank you for your service.
from: Proud Community Member	on: 09-18-2024

I want to Thank you for your service to your country. Also you have finally been brought home may you rest in peace.Thankful Citizen
from: Cindy (Pecor)Schneider	on: 09-18-2024

Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences. And thank you for your service to our country.
from: John Gifford	on: 09-18-2024

You gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect your country and, for that, we are all eternally grateful. May you now rest in peace.
from: Theresa A Molleur	on: 09-18-2024

Thank you for your service to our country. God Bless You
from: Proud Citizen	on: 09-18-2024

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. We are forever grateful. Rest peacefully.
from: Linda	on: 09-18-2024

God Bless You Sir!
from: Carmen Kaczowski	on: 09-18-2024

Welcome Home Sir! Thank yoi for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Rest now in true peace at home.
from: grateful citizens	on: 09-17-2024

82 years later this brave young man gets his dues. Rest in peace young man.
from: shane	on: 09-17-2024

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