James "Duke" Digilio

Duke is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joan K. Digilio, his son and his partner, Victor M. Digilio (Susan Romanello), his daughters and their husbands, Monica Digilio-Lee (Robin Lee) and Christine Novelli (Angelo Novelli), his grandchildren, Michael and Isabella Novelli, his dogs, Scooter and Blazer, and his “baby sister”, Virginia Farrelly. He was preceded in passing by his parents, “Red” and Rose Digilio, and his siblings, Rosemary Morellino and Victor Digilio.

Duke was born in Long Island City, NY, and graduated from Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, NY in 1948. He enlisted in the Air Force and served until 1955. Shortly after, he joined Grumman Aerospace Corporation, where he spent his entire career until retiring and moving to Florida in 1991. He was an active member of the Grumman Retirees Club and became a pillar of the community in Ormond Beach, where he and his wife lived for 24 years. In his spare time, he loved being with his wife, their dogs and his son who lived nearby, traveling to visit his daughters and grandchildren, and spending time with the many friends he made - especially at Halifax Plantation Club and the local Publix, where he was known to walk the aisles and visit with the staff.

Among his many accomplishments, he was proudest of his roles of husband, father, grandfather, and friend – and he was great at each. He lived his life to the fullest, spread joy, kindness, and happiness wherever he went, and if you were lucky enough to have him in your life, he would give you his care, love, and support. His passing leaves a huge void, but his legacy of making people smile will live forever.

A funeral mass will be held at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church at 915 N. Central Ave, Flagler Beach, FL on Saturday, March 12 at 10 AM. Donations can be made in his name and memory to either the English Springer Rescue Association at WWW.springerrescue.org (1025 Rosecreek Drive, Suite 620-305, Woodstock, GA 30189), or East End Hospice of Long Island at www.eeh.org.