Donald D. Fida, 99, a World War II veteran and Central New York businessman, died at home Tuesday.

After graduating from the Manlius Military Academy in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a scout in World War II. He was in the battles of Sitka, Attu, Kwajalein, Okinawa and Leyte.

In 2015, veterans were invited to return to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands to mark the 71st anniversary of the key battle to take the island. He was the only one of 22,000 soldiers who served in the battle who was healthy enough to make the trip back.

He was just 20 years old when he fought in the battle in January 1944. The battle is remembered as the first time American soldiers took control of a Japanese-held territory in World War II.

He received the rank of sergeant and was awarded numerous citations and medals, including the Purple Heart and the POW Medal.

Don was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame and the Purple Heart Hall of Fame.

After the war, Fida served in the Naval Reserve until 1953.

For more than 60 years, he operated his business, Fida’s Landscaping & Janitorial Service.

Calling hours will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday with a funeral service to follow at the Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral home in North Syracuse.

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