Alexander John DiSanto

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Alexander's honor to Orlando Rescue Mission, 1521 W. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32805 www.ourm.org or Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, PO Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545 www.maryknollsociety.org Alexander John DiSanto, Colonel, USAF Retired, who was a B17 navigator in WWII and a B29 navigator in the Korean War, died August 15, 2016 at his home in New Market, VA after a long illness. He was born in Clyde NY on February 5, 1922 and was raised in Newark, New York. He enlisted in the US Army in July 1940, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July 1944. From 1944 to 1945 Colonel DiSanto flew 30 combat missions over Germany in B17s and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters. In February 1949 he re-enlisted in the US Air Force, and flew 39 combat missions over North Korea as a B29 Navigator. He was awarded 4 additional Air Medals for his combat service. During the 1950s He flew with the Strategic Air Command on B29, B36, and KC135 aircraft. Later he served as a commander and staff officer in AFTAC, and was stationed in the US and overseas. He retired from the US Air Force in June 1973. Following retirement, he did volunteer work for many years at for his church in Fairfax City; he moved to Florida in later years and volunteered at the Veterans Clinic in Viera, Florida. Colonel DiSanto was an avid golfer, a champion bowler and stained glass artist. He produced many exquisite works of stained glass art over the years for family and friends. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Betty Smith DiSanto in October 1997. He is survived by his wife Laurie DiSanto (nee Bailey) of Melbourne FL; Two daughters – Suzanne Ewing (Gerald) of Orlando, FL and Nancy Staples (Wyatt) of Fort Valley, Virginia; a son, John Michael DiSanto (Patti) of New Market, Virginia; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and their children, and many wonderful friends all over the world. A Visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, Fairfax, VA on Sunday August 21, 2016 from 2 – 4 PM. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Clifton, VA on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 11:00 am Burial with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.