Earl Gustav Anderson died peacefully at his nephew, Earl's, home in Maine on April 7, 2013. Earl was born in 1919 in Everett, MA to Swedish immigrants John Ellis and Hannah (Persson) Anderson. He attended local schools and graduated from Everett High School in 1937. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the Asiatic Fleet in China and the Philippines. Following the defense and surrender of Bataan, Earl was taken captive and survived 42 months as a P.O.W. of the Japanese. He was awarded a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and 16 other medals for his service to his country. He was disability retired as a Chief Machinist's Mate in 1946. Following years of work at The Charlestown Navy Yard, he retired in 1964. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Penny, traveled the U.S.A., Mexico and Europe extensively. Ultimately, they settled in Florida for over 30 years. He last resided in Summerfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Edith "Penny" (Scovoli) Anderson, four sisters and seven brothers. He is survived by one sibling, Walter, of Lady Lake, FL, his wife's daughters, Gloria Alridge of Winson-Salem, NC and Nancy Cusolito of Saugus, MA and many nieces and nephews. Ever an eloquent and dignified man, Earl truly belongs to the Greatest Generation. His family and friends salute this American hero. A funeral service will be held at the JF Ward Funeral Home, 772 Broadway, Everett, MA on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial and military honors at Glenwood Cemetery, Everett, MA. For directions and guestbook please visit www.jfwardfuneralhome.com Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, 1-877-426-2838 or DAV.org