Albert Ricardo Di Florio

Albert “Al” Ricardo Di Florio, 92, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, in Fullerton, California. Al was born September 19,1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Biagio and Anna (Belafatto) Di Florio. He grew up in South Philadelphia, where he lived until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 at the age of 18. Al spent three years serving in the Navy, stationed in Long Beach, California.

Following his military service, Al took a job as a laborer at Monrovia Nursery in 1950, eventually working his way up to general manager at Hines Wholesale Nursery, where he was employed until he retired in 1990. He married his second wife Willija “Billie” Measures in 1974. The couple lived in various cities in Orange County, California, including Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, and most recently, Anaheim, where Al resided at the time of his passing.

Al cherished his family and immensely enjoyed singing for everyone at gatherings and as part of holiday celebrations. He was a lifelong fan of Angels baseball and the sport in general, and loved watching it, talking about it and playing it. He played for senior slow pitch leagues until he was 85, and at one point, he joined a younger league because it better matched his energy level. Deeply proud of where he came from, Al also loved all things Italian and Philadelphian, including food, wine and the traditions he grew up with.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Richard Di Florio, Pat Di Florio, Anthony Di Florio and Mary Aragana, daughter Kathy Di Florio and stepdaughter Carla Collier. He is survived by his wife Billie, daughter Tina Blair, sons Richard Di Florio and Tony Di Florio, stepdaughter Shyla Wade, eight grandchildren,16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held on Saturday, January 25, for family and friends.