Angelo J. Giangregorio

Angelo J. Giangregorio, 91, of Worcester died peacefully Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the UMASS Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Angelo was born in Worcester, son of the late John D. and Mary A. (D'Elia) Giangregorio. Angelo leaves four sons; John G. Giangregorio and his wife Leslie of Boston, James J. Giangregorio and his wife Mary of Sutton, Mark J. Giangregorio and his wife Cindy of Putnam CT, and Gary J. Giangregorio and his wife Wendy of Worcester. Angelo leaves eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, John I. Giangregorio, of Worcester and Joseph J. Giangregorio of Paxton, and many loving nephews and nieces. Angelo was predeceased by a son, Michael A. Giangregorio, a brother, Ralph J. Giangregorio, a sister Carmella (Giangregorio) Capozzo, good friend and longtime companion Eileen Paskow who passed in 2010, and his wife, Joan A. (Rogers) Giangregorio, who Angelo lovingly cared for throughout her brave battle with Hodgkins Disease in the years prior to her passing in 1969, and with who he shall share his final resting place. As a young man, Angelo was a standout athlete both in boxing and baseball. In 1942 during WW11, Angelo joined the United States Navy, and after his training, was assigned to the Landing and Invasion Fleet aboard the U.S.S. Frederick Funston APA 89. Taking part in the invasion of Sicily and Salerno, Italy in the European African Theatre, The Funston then moved to the Asiatic Pacific Theatre where it participated in battles in Saipan, Guam and Leyte, as well as in Lingayen, the Philippines and Iwo Jima. While at sea the ship and Fleet was routinely attacked by Japanese submarines and Kamikaze dive bombers. He received 8 battle stars, and many medals, citations, and distinctions for his service. In 1951 he was recalled to duty during the Korean Conflict as a First Class Pharmacist Mate and was assigned to the U. S. Underwater Demolition Unit. Angelo was a war hero who selflessly and bravely served his country in some of the most historic and fierce battles and beach landing invasions of World War II. He was wounded three separate times in combat yet continued his duties in battle and for the duration of the war. Angelo saved many lives and carried the injuries he sustained with dignity and humility for the rest of his life. Angelo worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's Department of Transportation as a District Three Supervisor in the Maintenance Division for over 40 Years. Upon retiring, Angelo spent several months of the year in Vero Beach, Florida where he worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training Camp and their major league team for 12 years until they moved to Arizona. He enjoyed his friendships with many major and minor league players. Angelo also enjoyed playing golf at the two Dodger golf courses and with his friends and sons. Angelo was a member of the church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann, the East Side Post American Legion #201, The American Disabled Veterans Association, and the Italian American Veterans Post #3 where he served as a past Commander and in many other offices. He was a member of the U.S.S. Frederick Funston APA 89 Reunion Association and a life member of the Worcester Lodge of Elks. He was also a member of the Massachusetts State and County Municipal Employee Association and the East Side Improvement Club. During his time in Florida he was a member of the Vero Beach Fraternal Order of Eagles and their Leisure Square. Angelo raised his five sons with devotion and unconditional love; this was for many years on his own after the tragic passing of his wife. He took tremendous pride in his entire family and greatly enjoyed spending time with them. He was a constant source of encouragement and support, and was known for his great sense of humor and storytelling. Angelo will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel located at 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00am in the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann 24 Mulberry St. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, June 1, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm. Interment will be with his wife in St. Johns Cemetery. Members of the East Side Post #201 will meet at 6:30pm for their ritual. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit Angelo's memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com.