LTC Rinaldo DelSignore

Lieutenant Colonel Rinaldo M. "Buck" DelSignore MaARNG (ret), 92, of Holden, former commander of the 181st Combat Engineer Battalion in Whitinsville passed away peacefully Thursday August 16th 2012 in his home with his devoted family by his side. Buck was born in Worcester, a son of Luigi and Cesidia (Lostracco) DelSignore. He graduated from Worcester North High School in 1938. He enlisted in the 181st Infantry Regiment and was called to active duty in the U.S. Army to serve his country during World War II, remaining on duty serving in Korea as a company commander with the 223rd Infantry Regiment of the 40th Infantry Division, earning two bronze stars; one for meritorious service and the other for courageous actions under heavy artillery and mortar fire on Heartbreak Ridge. Buck returned from Korea and stayed in the guard attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while serving in the Engineer and Infantry Battalions. He was also appointed to the Board of the Mass Military Academy at Camp Curtis Guild before retiring from the guard in 1970 with 32 years of service. Among the specialty schools he attended were the Army Infantry School and Airborne School at Ft Benning, Georgia and the Engineer School at Ft Belvoir, Virginia. Among his medals he also earned the CIB, (Combat Infantry Badge) and airborne jump wings. Notably, Buck was honored by the Boston Bruins on January 26th 2011 for his 32 years of military service. He has lived in Holden since 1966. In 1990 he was named an Honorary Graduate of St. John's High School. Rinaldo is survived by his wife, partner and best friend of the past 70 years which they celebrated on May 23rd, May E. (Vincent) DelSignore; his four children, Robert P. DelSignore and his wife Cheryl of Princeton, Marie E. DeSantis and her husband Victor of Sterling, Barbara L. Creelman and her husband David of Worcester, Louis P. DelSignore and his wife Gwynn of Princeton. Nine grandchildren whom he cherished and who cherished him; 13 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Four brothers, Dr. Augustine, Guerino, Robert and Louis DelSignore and a sister Emelia Ventresca all pre deceased him. Buck worked in the construction field all his life. He was a member of Carpenters Union Local 107 and was superintendant for DelSignore Construction Company. He co- owned and operated DelBros Construction before retiring. Buck was a member of St Richard of Chichester Church, the Greendale Retired Men's club and YMCA, the Eastside Post 201 American Legion and the Retired Officers Association. He enjoyed playing golf, reading, walking, and was a master at crossword puzzles. As patriarch of the DelSignore family, he was devoted to his family; His wife, children, grand and great grandchildren were his whole life. They were what inspired him and gave him the greatest amount of Joy. To his grandchildren he was considered a giant. The greatest moments in life were spent with them. He will be sorely missed. The family wishes to extend its gratitude to Rinaldo's niece, Eileen, the Visiting Angels, VNA Hospice, and the nurses at 6 ICU at the UMASS Memorial University Campus Medical Center for their compassionate care. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday August 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Tuesday August 21st at 9:00 am from the funeral home with a procession to St Richard of Chichester Church 4 Bridge Street, Sterling where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial with full Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.