Donald Anthony DiRaimo

Don DiRaimo, age 84, died April 25, 2012 at his daughter’s home, surrounded by family and loved ones. He leaves a legacy of being a friend to so many, someone who would always be there when needed, and who lived a life full of music and laughter.

He was born August 31, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri to Nick and Lina (Guerrera) DiRaimo. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a Sergeant and Radiosonde operator in Alaska. He joined the Heat and Frost Insulators Union Local No. 27 in 1955 and retired from actively working in 1991, and served as an Executive Board member during his 55 years with the Union.

Don was an accomplished musician. The sweet sounds of his oboe and English horn could be heard at the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, the Kansas City Philharmonic, the Overland Park Orchestra and the Jefferson City Symphony. He was a member of the Musicians Local No. 34 and a founding member of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. He was an avid bowler for more than 60 years, carrying more than a 200 average, and loved hunting with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosemary Serrone and brother Francis DiRaimo. He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Caroline (Alberici), daughters Carol DiRaimo, Cecelia (Duane) Ball, Carla DiRaimo Cook; sister Kay (Jay) Bybee, brother Nick (Angela) DiRaimo, brother Robert DiRaimo, brother-in-law Dominic Serrone; grandchildren Anthony and AnneMarie Ball who were the joy of his life; as well as loving nieces, nephews and cousins, friends and loved ones who were part of his extended family and called him “Dad.”

Visitation will be Sunday, April 29, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at cwith a Rosary said at 1:00 p.m. Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1001 E. 52nd St., followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Rockhurst University, 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110, Heartland Therapeutic Riding, PO Box 391, Stilwell, KS 66085, or Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, 425 West Giles, Peoria, IL 61614. Special thanks goes to niece Virginia “Jenny” DiRaimo Zink and her daughter, TiaMarie Zink, for their tender care and attention these past several weeks. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.