DOVER - Vito DiFronzo made his final flight west in the early hours of Monday, Mar. 27, 2017, passing away in his sleep at home. He was born Oct. 20, 1921, in New Britain, Conn., as the second youngest son of Vito Joseph DiFronzo and mother, Sarah Tuscano DiFronzo. His sister and seven brothers predeceased him.
Vito is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lynn (Lena) DiFronzo; daughter, Deanne DiFronzo; and son, Col. U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Vincent DiFronzo; Vincent's wife, Sherrie; and grandsons, Bobby and Jesse DiFronzo; as well as several nieces and nephews.
CMSgt DiFronzo joined the U.S. Army Air Corp in February 1942 on the dawn of WWII, serving in North Africa and Italy in the 454th Bomb Group. He went on to serve for 31 years in the Air Force, flying as a Flight Engineer on worldwide missions in the C-54, C-118, C-130, WC-130, C-133 and C-5 aircraft. He met the love of his life, Lynn, in 1956 while they were both assigned to McGuire A.F.B., N.J., and they married the following year. CMSgt DiFronzo retired from the U.S. Air Force in February 1973, while serving in the 9th Squadron as part of the Air Force's initial leadership cadre for the C-5A. Over his 31-year career he flew over 13,800 accident free hours and his decorations included the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, and the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
After retiring, Mr. DiFronzo worked in Civil Service at Dover Air Force Base and went on to volunteer actively with the Dover Elks Lodge #1903, Air Base Pharmacy, Air Base Retiree Office and the U.S.O. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Holy Cross Church Knights of Columbus Council 4182. He loved having breakfast with his friends at the Hollywood Diner every morning and spending afternoons with his Grand-dog, Toby. Most of all he loved his time with family and friends.
Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com