Alfred Anothony Dilembo's Obituary
Alfred “Al” Anthony DiLembo, resident of Wesley Chapel, FL (formerly of Pittsburgh, PA) flew his last mission on June 2, 2018. Born September 16, 1924, he was a loving husband to his late wife Eva Marie (Puccinelli), son of the late Peter and Theresa DiLembo, brother of the late Amelia Pizzuto and Cornelia Roda. He is survived by his loving daughter Gina Atkins, proud granddaughter Amanda Ocegueda (Andy) and star-struck great-granddaughter Vera Marie. Vera loved her Papa and couldn’t wait to run into his room and watch TV with him or hand him one of her favorite toys. He called her his “Sunshine”. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Al was very proud of his great-great nephew Dante Grecco, who just recently became a football commit to Case Western Reserve University from Upper St. Clair HS. Al loved going to Dante’s football games, and couldn’t wait for him to play college level. Al graduated St. Justin High School in 1942 and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet for pilot training. He served overseas with the 15th Air Force, 456 Heavy Bomb group of the 389th Bomb Squadron based at Foggia, Italy. He flew 39 missions over enemy territory and received many decorations for valor during aerial combat. He also attended Naval Flight School in Corpus Christi, TX and qualified as a carrier pilot flying dive bombers. Although some memories would always haunt him, he had a few select stories he would tell. He never bragged, and always remained humble and modest. Upon his return to civilian life, he attended and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed as a project engineer with the Westinghouse Electric Nuclear Plant. He was later employed by Fluor Engineering as a nuclear inspector. He also worked at the Westin William Penn Hotel for several years. Al was a life member of VFW post 1810 where he served as commander and judge advocate. He also served as senior vice commander for American Legion Post 712. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of Baldwin Whitehall Lodge #684. He was a life member of Disabled American Vets, Chapter 76. Other memberships included American Military Engineers, Naval and Marine Architect Society, Life Member in USAF Association and Military Officers Association. In 2016, he left his longtime home in Baldwin, PA and moved with his family to Wesley Chapel, Florida. He was a trooper during the transition. It was hard for him to leave his house, his friends, his neighbors, the VFW and the American Legion posts to which he dedicated many hours, and his town, but he never complained. He viewed every task as a mission to which he would give 100%. Once settled in his Florida home, he spent his time sitting by the pool, building model planes, reading, coloring and tinkering with his wood crafts. He never wanted to quit “doing” and strived to keep his mind sharp and his body moving forward. He enjoyed watching his great-granddaughter grow and said she was his reason to keep going. He made the long trip to NC for Amanda and Andy’s wedding last year. As hard as it must have been on him, he forced himself to perform his task of walking Amanda down the aisle. He did so with strength, love and grace, and he wouldn’t’ have missed it for anything. Al was a friend, a mentor and a comrade to all who knew him; and to say he was a hero to many would be an understatement. He always went above and beyond for anyone he met. He wanted to help where he could, and losing independence was his greatest hardship. Yet he continued on, just knowing that one day he would be stronger. He prayed diligently every night for this. When he was given his final prognosis, he remarked to everyone: “I have a feeling I’m going to beat this”. The fight inside of him was fierce, and never ceased. His motto was “Never Give Up.” He lived this motto until his very last day. Visitation at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Thursday, June 7 from 6pm to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, June 8 at 1pm at Nativity Church, South Park, PA with entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray, PA. immediately following. Fly High Eagle One. Your memory here on earth and your time in history will forever be upheld, and you will be the fiercest angel heaven has yet to see In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Alfred's name to the American Legion Post 712 and the VFW Post 1810.
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