A Tribute to Louis Cinfici: Proud Member of the Greatest Generation

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Louis Cinfici (1928-2025) Served in WW2, Korea, & Vietnam

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Lou was born and raised in Reading, PA; he passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025 at 96. As his wife Nancy said, "He will be the first one to say he's had a wonderful life. Some might even say surviving combat in the South Pacific late in World War II and injuries in the Korean and Vietnam wars might qualify as a charmed life." Cinfici got medical training in the Navy and served as a dental assistant in World War II and Korea. He got further training as a medic and was attached to the Marine Corps in Da Nang, Vietnam.​​​

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Lou volunteered at age 16 to join the Navy and his five brothers in combat, but was not accepted because of his age; instead, he served in the Merchant Marines. In 1946 he joined the U.S. Navy, and a  girlfriend gave him a 10kt gold Benrus watch. It was nicely engraved, “Louis Cinfici ~ U.S. Navy ~  248-44-82”.

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​​He wore this watch through his service in Korea. Lou was at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital in 1968 prior to going to Vietnam when his suitcase was stolen; it contained all his identification papers, medical records, and his Benrus watch. His medical records were found under a bridge in Reading several months later; the remaining items were never found --  including his Benrus watch.

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​I found Lou's Benrus on eBay in early 2019 -- and discovered that he was living in a retirement community in Reading PA. I gave Louis a call, told him that I just acquired a watch with his name and Navy ID number inscribed on it -- would he to like to have it back? His answer: a resounding "YES!"

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Lou's long-lost watch was returned to him in March 2019.​​