Richard Didario

Richard E. Didario Sr., age 87, a life long resident of Monroe, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2008 in the Lutheran Home with his loving family beside him. Dick was born April 21, 1921 in Monroe, MI the son of the late Chris and Philomena (Vannelli) Didario. Dick attended St. John’s Elementary School where he was baptized and confirmed. Dick was a 1941 graduate of Monroe High School where he played in the school band. In 1939 he placed 1st in the flute division of the Michigan High School Bands. He also played in the Monroe City Band, the Christopher Columbus Band and the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. Dick, a true American hero, served his country during WW II from August 7, 1942 until November 17, 1945 as a Corporal in the US Army serving 36 months overseas and 18 months of actual combat. He served with the 505th Coast Artillery as a Heavy Machine Gunner in the continental United States, England, Corsica, and Germany. He served in the invasions of Salerno and Anzio, Italy, France and Africa. For his service to our country, he received the Meritorious Unit Award, WWII Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, The American Defense Service Medal, Infantry Badge and the Good Conduct Medal and 6 Service Bars. On June 6, 1946 Dick married Ann T. Castellese at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe. For 18 years Dick worked as a assistant manager for Sealtest Milk in Monroe. In 1961 he began working for La-Z-Boy Chair Company where he worked for 25 years. Dick retired in 1986 as the Wood Room Supervisor. Dick was a member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1266, Sons of Italy Foundation, and a life member of VFW Post 1138. Throughout his life Dick enjoyed music, woodworking, wine making and hunting. Most of all Dick enjoyed being with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Ann, his children; Richard E. (Cathy) Didario Jr., Christine M. (Steve) McCollum, Thomas M. (Kim) Didario and Daniel J. (Beth) Didario all of Monroe, 11 grandchildren; Christopher, Timothy, Jennifer, Kellie, Angela, Amy, Alicia, Derek, Shane, Adrienne and Ashleigh, and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Arthur Didario and 5 sisters; Anna Bonifacio, Angeline Burdo, Alice Natalie, Josephine Didario and Esther Didario. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-8 PM and Wednesday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home where a Scripture Service will be held at 6 PM. On Thursday, July 17, 2008 he will lie in state at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church from 10 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 11 AM. Fr. Terrence Kerner will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to St. John The Baptist Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.