Biggio Square Dedication at Main and Herman Streets

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Private first class Andrew Giovanni Biggio was like a lot of young men during World War II, eager to serve his country, but sadly he did not make it back to continue on with life in Winthrop.

Biggio was killed in action in Italy on Sept. 17, 1944.

This weekend the loss of Pfc. Biggio will be marked by the dedication of a memorial square at the intersection of Main Street and Herman Street at 10 a.m. Speaking at the dedication will be special guest Brigadier General Jon A. Jensen, Commander, “Red Bull Division” of the 34th Infantry Division Saint Paul, Minnesota. Joining him will be Gov. Charlie Baker, state Sen. Joseph Boncore, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo and director of Winthrop veterans service Roseann Mazzuchelli.

“There was no former dedication 50 years ago,” said Biggio’s nephew also named Andrew Biggio.

Pfc. Biggio was the brother of John Biggio, who owns the insurance company in Winthrop, and Alfonse Biggio.

Biggio, born in 1925, enlisted on November 11, 1943 after graduating from Boston Latin High School earlier in 1943, and was assigned as an Infantry replacement to “B” Company, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. Pfc. Biggio was killed in action when his unit was assaulting German positions along the Gothic Line in Italy. The mountain range he was on suffered a barrage of artillery fire. Pfc. Biggio was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during this action.

He was born and raised in Winthrop, attended Winthrop schools through the ninth grade before transferring to Boston Latin.“He was eager to fight and serve his country. He was sent to North Africa and Italy,” said nephew Andrew Biggio. “I’ve read all his letters he sent home. One letter in July said he never wanted to see combat again.”Pfc. Biggio and others paid the price for each hill they defended.“He wrote about wanting to go to Cannes to relax,” Andrew Biggio said.