Louis P. Minicucci, Sr., entrepreneur and combat veteran, passed away on June 30, 2016, at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill. He lived a long and meaningful life. A born fighter, he lived by the motto “Semper Anticus” (Always Forward).

Born in Lawrence, Mass., on September 13, 1920, Louis was the eldest child of Giuseppe and Jiuseppina (Diorio) Minicucci, who emigrated from Teano, Italy. Louis was married for 65 years to Rita (Caruso) Minicucci of Newburyport and Salisbury, the true love of his life, who predeceased him in 2013.

At the age of 16, Mr. Minicucci left high school to help support his family. At age 20, he opened his first business, an Atlantic Richfield affiliate service station and home heating-oil company in Methuen and when World War II began, enlisted in the U.S. Army.

At 36, he retired to South Beach in Miami, Fla., and returned to Massachusetts three years later in 1959, settling in North Andover to raise his family and invest in real estate ventures. He and Rita spent the next 60 years at Salisbury Beach in the summer, Florida in the winter and holidays in North Andover. They traveled to Europe and Italy many times to visit family and friends.

In 1941, Mr. Minicucci was part of General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army, 180th Regiment, 45th Infantry Division as an anti-tank gunner. In 1943, the 45th Infantry engaged in the Italian Campaign, which saw intense fighting during the invasion of Sicily and the attack on Salerno. While advancing through Italy, the 45th fought at Anzio and Monte Cassino. After landing in Southern France, the 45th drove into the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and then into Central Europe, ending in Munich, Germany, which effort helped bring about an end to the War. Mr. Minicucci was one of the first soldiers to liberate the Dachau Concentration Camp, finally freeing over 32,000 prisoners of war. It was an experience he remembered for the rest of his life.

For his service during WWII, Mr. Minicucci received the Combat Infantryman Badge for 434 combat days served, the Bronze Star, three Battle Stars and numerous battle honors, including Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Ardennes-Alsace. He also received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with three Service Stars.

Upon returning home to run Minicucci Oil, Mr. Minicucci expanded his business endeavors by starting Minicucci Construction. In 1952, he purchased the right to the trade name Dairy Queen for Suffolk County and established Dairy Queen of Boston, Inc. for which he served as President and Treasurer. Dairy Queen of Boston, Inc. is both one of the oldest Dairy Queen Territory Operators and one of the oldest national franchises in the United States, opening the first Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex County Dairy Queens. Dairy Queen of Boston, Inc., which is still in operation today, has been in business continually for 64 years.

Mr. Minicucci also served on the Board of Trustees at the Methuen Cooperative Bank and was the founding President of the Salisbury Beach Betterment Association. In addition, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Italian American War Veterans, the 180th Infantry Association, the Combat Infantrymen’s Association and a charter member of the National World War II Memorial.

Mr. Minicucci is survived by his sons, Louis P. Minicucci, Jr., his fiancee, Deborah Roth, and David J. Minicucci, David’s wife, Hope Minicucci; daughter-in-law, Judith Minicucci; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his brothers, Joseph (“Junior”) and Anthony Minicucci; his sister, Ann Lilljedahl; and his caregiver, Diniria (“DeeDee”) Covert. He was also predeceased by his brother, Gino Minicucci, and sister, Rita Gillis.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at Conte Funeral Home, 17 3rd Street, North Andover, during calling hours on Wednesday, July 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. A military ceremony and graveside service will take place on Thursday, July 7, at 11 a.m. at Ridgewood Cemetery, 177 Salem Street, North Andover. Those wishing to attend should arrive prior to 11 a.m. at Ridgewood Cemetery and not Conte Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com.