Joseph Paul DiGuilio, 92, WWII Veteran

Joseph Paul DiGuilio, 92, lifelong Haverhill resident, passed away Thanksgiving Day morning at Penacook Place in Haverhill, with his family at his side. He was the loving husband of the late Ann Theresa (Messina) DiGuilio, who died in 2001.

One of eight children of the late Francisco and Maria (D’Arcangelo) DiGuilio, he was born in Haverhill, Jan. 18, 1922, and was a graduate of Haverhill High School.

A proud veteran of World War II, he served with the United States Army Air Corps from Dec. 31, 1942 until his honorable discharge on Oct. 24, 1945 with the rank of staff sergeant. He served eight months overseas with the 2123rd Army Air Force Base Unit and had received several service ribbons including the Asiatic-Pacific with 6 Battle Stars, one Bronze Battle Star Air Medal with 1 Bronze Cluster, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, he worked in Haverhill’s booming shoe industry for many years.

DiGuilio loved watching old movies, followed most sports events, enjoyed golfing, was an avid traveler and, as a fantastic dancer, could wear out any dance floor. He also was a longtime member of the Garabaldi Club.

DiGuiliois survived by his sister, Helen G. Kutensky of Haverhill; two sisters-in-law, Mary K. Montebianchi and husband Richard of Haverhill and Carmela Russo of Methuen, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he is also predeceased by two brothers, Domenic and Manuel DiGuilio and four sisters, Clementina, Lucia and Antoinette DiGuilio, and Rose DiVincenzo.

Visiting hours at Paul C. Rogers-Carnevale Funeral Home, 334 Main Street, Haverhill, are Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m. immediately followed by funeral services at the funeral home. By request of the family, burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Haverhill, will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Activities Fund of Penacook Place, 150 Water Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.