Obituary
Guest Book
1922
2014
Alfred DiGiacomo, age 91, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at Friendly Village Nursing Home. He was born September 9, 1922 to Anselmo and Christina (Fondie) DiGiacomo in Aurora, Minnesota. Al joined the Navy in September 1942 and was assigned to the USS Hancock in July 1943. His station on the ship was rank of Musician First Class. He was awarded the Asia-Pacific Theatre Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 stars. He was discharged in January 1946.
Alfred married Delia (Schultz) on April 22, 1946 and they have celebrated 68 years of marriage. He worked at the Rhinelander Paper Co. for 52 years as a journeyman-Machinist, and retired July 1, 1993, at the age of 72. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, building large paper airplanes and kites and flying them with his kids. He also enjoyed his electric trains. Al was very civic minded and was a member of the American Legion Drum & Bugle Corps. Al then went on to organize and run the all-girl Belles of St. Mary's Drum and Bugle Corps for many years at the request of Fr. Schipper
Alfred is survived by his wife, Delia, his daughters; Sharon (Jerry) Staffon of Port Richey, FL and Judith (Bob) Letheby of Norfolk, NE, six grandchildren; Jason (Molly) Hunter , of Clinton, IA, Tad Hunter of Norfolk, NE, Mark (Amy) Schleinz of Wausau, WI, Nicole Izquierdo, of Porter, TX, Kasi Staffon, of Palm Harbor, FL, and Traci (John) Frank, of Port Richey, FL, several great-grandchildren, a brother, Robert, and a sister, Gloria Juetten.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Marino.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 11:00am at Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home with Father Tom Thakadipuram officiating. Burial will follow at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of service. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and sign Alfred's guestbook at hildebrandfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 14, 2014
Your loving daughter, Sharon Staffon
Dad it is never easy to say Good-Bye to someone who has shown you so much love and understanding. You made my childhood so much fun helping you build your hydroboats, massive paper airplanes, and kites that flew higher than anyone else'! When I had kids of my own your came out almost every weekend to go fishing on the river with us. The fishing was fantastic and we will never forget how you remodeled our pontoon boat to keep the kids safe from falling in. I will never forget anything you have taught me over the years. You taught me to be a loving caring person and to be honest in everything I say and do.
I love you and miss you very much and for the first time in my 67 years I won't be able to call you and say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the greatest father in the world.
You have always been in my heart and you will always be with me. Til we meet again Dad, I love you
May 18, 2014
Larry Schillings
I was in Rhinelander this weekend and came across Al's death notice. While in college as a music major I worked with Al and the Belles in '68. I became a HS band director '70-74 google glen ridge high school marching band 1972 Al was such a good person and dedicated to his music....may he rest in peace...there will now be a D&B Corps in heaven
May 13, 2014
Madison Schleinz
May 12, 2014
Jean Hodkiewicz
Al was a great mentor. I had the opportunity to see him at the nursing home a few years back when singing Christmas Carols with the Nicolet Choraliers. He sure instilled a love for music and hard work in all of us girls. Our community was a better place because of him. RIP, Al.
May 12, 2014
Sherry Crossley (Collier)
I want to express my appreciation for Al's hard work with the Belles. I was a member for three years and I have many fond memories of that time. Al taught us the value of hard work and being a team player. "Too many chiefs...!" Thanks, Al.
May 12, 2014
Cynthia Bohne Tandy
Al lived a long life because he gave SO much to us girls that were part of the Belles of St. Mary's. I loved Al as a father! The impact he and the organization had on all of our lives is unforgetable! He is now in heaven with his Father, our Lord! Al, you were a beautiful person! Say hi to Ed and Vi Bohne! :)
May 12, 2014
Traci Frank
Grandpa, we will miss you so much! I will miss going to the casinos , taking you fishing on the boat, and all the stuff you did to help protect us kids. I love you so much!!
May 11, 2014
Diane Blaszke-Leverance
Al was a great leader of the Belles, as I was one of them. I loved that part of my life and it was because of Al and his team that the Belles of St. Mary's is a part of Rhinelander's history.
Diane (Blaszke) Leverance
May 10, 2014
LeeAnn Flood
Thank you.
May 10, 2014
How can anyone forget Al from their years in Belles of St. Mary's. He was a great leader! Rest in peace, Al. Mary Macdonald
May 10, 2014
Nicole Izquierdo
We love you Grandpa and will never forget all the wonderful memories you gave us growing up. Gone but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts ? Love Niki and kids ?
May 10, 2014
Mark Schleinz
Grampa you will be missed more than you could have ever imagined. You helped me become the person I am today and I personally thank you for that. You guided me in the right direction when a gentle nudge was needed. I will miss the hunting (You snoring in the duck blind is my favorite) and the several hours of fishing we spent together. Rest in peace. You will always be in my heart. I Love You.
May 10, 2014
tina zoncki
uncle al always had a calm welcoming presence loved fishing from the bridge with him and grama z..so sorry for everyones loss. tina zoncki
May 10, 2014
Kasi Staffon
The best Grandpa anyone could ask for. I'm blessed to have had him in my life. The memories I will cherish forever. Always in my heart. I love you Grandpa
May 10, 2014
Traci, John, Chris Frank
Grandpa, we will miss you dearly. We love you so much. I know you are at peace now.. xoxo
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Funeral services provided by:
HILDEBRAND - RUSS FUNERAL HOME - Rhinelander24 E DAVENPORT ST, Rhinelander, WI 54501
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