August Anthony DiGregory Sr.

AUGUST ANTHONY DIGREGORY SR, 100, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015. Born to Italian immigrants, the late Joseph and Josephine DiGregory, he was one of 6 children. He was a 1935 graduate of South Side High School. He proudly served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army for 4 years during World War II, stationed in England, France and Germany. Upon returning home, he married Sue Perillo, of Chicago, IL. Together, they had 6 children and were blessed with a marriage of 65 years. He was employed at Joslyn Stainless Steel for 39 years. He was a member of the local chapter of the Sons of Italy. A man of faith, he was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and served as an usher for his church Sunday Mass services. In retirement, he enjoyed golf as a leisure time activity, taking pride in his hole in one at Foster Park golf course. Other hobbies included gardening, woodworking, playing cards, traveling, bowling, building and remodeling homes, and spending time with family and friends.

For many years he and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida. In 2012, he participated as an honored veteran in a trip to Washington DC sponsored by the Northeast Indiana chapter of the Honor Flight program. Having grown up in the Great Depression, he was an expert at making something out of nothing. Always willing to lend a helping hand, family and friends turned to him for advice and direction. He had lived long enough that he knew the easiest and most efficient way to do almost anything. He always had an easy going way about him, had a positive attitude, never complained, and was humble in doing for others in a quiet way. He had a remarkable life and we were blessed to have him for so long.

Survivors include daughters Virginia (Robert) Clauser, Cynthia (Kevin) Roberts, Mary Ann (Thomas) Cicero; son August Jr (Anita); daughter-in-law Jaci; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and brother, Al. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; infant daughter, JoAnn; son, Joseph; his parents; sisters Lena (Carmen) Penzone, Sue (Nick) Radu, Helen (Steve) Colella; brother Victor and sister in-law Maxine DiGregory.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 AM, Saturday, December 19, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4500 Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne, IN, with calling 1 hour prior. Visitation will be at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, on Friday, December 18, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with rosary service at 2:30 PM. Interment will be at the Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN.

Preferred memorials to Visiting Nurse and Hospice, St John the Baptist Catholic Church and St Patrick's Catholic Church in Arcola.