clyde diangelo
Claudio (Clyde) L. DiAngelo Sr. Pearl Harbor Survivor Claudio (Clyde) L. DiAngelo Sr. 93 of Weirton died February 28, 2013, at the Weirton Medical Center. He was born April 11, 1919, in Steubenville, Ohio, son of the late James and Lena Sacco D'Angelo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Olga Florenzo DiAngelo, whom he married on April 17, 1948, brother Archie T. DeAngelo, two infant brothers, Aldo and Alchido D'Angelo, and son-in-law John D. Kendrick. Surviving are one son Clyde L. (Sonja) DiAngelo Jr. of Steubenville, daughter Sheila Kendrick of Weirton, four grandchildren, Danielle (Trevor)Kalinowski, Michael DiAngelo, Joshua and Justin Kendrick, two great grandchildren, Ty Angelo and Vinny Joseph Kalinowski, and sister Nellie Collins of Jacksonville, FL. In his early days, Clyde worked as a shipping clerk in the Wheeling Steel. Being laid off, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 1 July, 1938. Little did he know when he enlisted that he would be in World War II from its inception at Pearl Harbor to its conclusion in 1945. After Boot Camp training at Parris Island, SC, Clyde served at Indian Head, MD., the site of a Naval Base specializing in gun and rocket propellants. From there, he attended Sea School at Norfolk, VA. His next duty station was on the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA-38). While there, the engineering plant was largely broken down for overhaul. Clyde was helping maintain one of the ships five inch guns when an accident occurred nearly costing him three fingers. As a member of the 4th Defense Battalion, he was deployed in February, 1941 to defend the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While there, he earned his Corporal Stripes. The Battalion arrived in the Pacific in time to become one of the RAINBOW Five. Its strength was divided between Pearl Harbor and Midway, and helped defend both bases against Japanese attacks on 7 December, 1941. Clyde arrived at Pearl Harbor just a few days prior to the Japanese surprise attack. Though caught by surprise, Marines of the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Defense Battalions fought back as best they could. These units had eight antiaircraft machine guns in action within six minutes after the first bombs exploded. They responded to the surprise attack with small arms and an eventual total of 25 machine guns, claiming the destruction of three enemy aircraft. After 7 December, 1941, Clyde remained at Pearl Harbor for a short while helping reload ammunition and supplies. He then found himself bound for Wake Island on 15 December, 1941 on the Troop Ship USS Tangier (AV-8) which was loaded with supplies, ammunition, and equipment. The Battle of Wake Island began simultaneously with the Attack on Pearl Harbor, actually 8 December, 1941, but ended quickly on 23 December 1941, with the surrender of the American forces to the Empire of Japan. Tangier's relief expedition received orders to turn back, allowing the crew to cross the International Dateline going and returning, therefore, observing Christmas twice. After a brief stay on Midway Island, Clyde was among the first Marines to land in the South Pacific, New Hebrides Islands. To forestall the threat to the sea lanes between Hawaii and Australia, the 4th Defense Battalion in July, 1942 provided a detachment to protect Espiritu Santo, the largest of the New Hebrides Islands. On the way to Espiritu Santo, they were engaged with a Japanese submarine. Using a destroyer as an escort that was dropping depth charges along the way, the Japanese sub was destroyed. While on the island, Clyde was in charge of a few hundred natives with the task of clearing the jungle to construct roadways. Upon completion of the roads, Clyde, along with many others in his outfit, contracted malaria and was sent to New Zealand to recuperate. Clyde returned to duty in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal, where preparations were underway for the invasion of the Japanese homeland. Due to President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb, (actually two) there was no invasion. Clyde was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon by S. A. Mackey, Head of Military Awards Branch. Clyde returned to civilian life in October, 1945, and back to Wheeling Steel employment as a rigger where he completed thirty-five years of service in 1981. At age 85, he was awarded an Honorary Diploma from Steubenville High School, class of 2004. Having met Ted Williams while in the service, Clyde was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He attended many games in Cleveland's old Municipal Stadium when the Sox were in town until Williams' retirement in 1960. Clyde enjoyed wine making, gardening, bocci, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He also enjoyed being with his "Number 1 Buddies." Clyde was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Tri-State Marine Corps Club, and the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Club. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Weirton, WV. Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Steubenville, Ohio, with military services by the American Legion Honor Guard.

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Guestbook

  1. Dear Shelia and Family, Our deepest sympathy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. God Bless, Bill, Paulette, Karilynn, and Bill

  2. Dear Sheila and family, Sending you our deepest symphathy for the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed. He ALWAYS brought joy to us and who ever he was around. Are prayers are with you and your family.

  3. Clyde Sr. was a good friend and advisor to me over many years. He will be missed. Deepest sympathies to his family of whom he was so rightfully proud.Mike, Michele and Katie Berarducci

  4. Clyde, Sonja & Family, Plrase accept my sympathies on the loss of your father. I only got to meet your Dad a few times, but he was a genuine gentleman. Sincerely, Jimmy

  5. Dr Mr DiAngelo and family, just wanted to express my condolences to your family. Your Dad was a wonderful man, always smiling and laughing. I will keep your Dad and your family in my prayers Barb Fahey

  6. Dear Sheila & Family, I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. What a great man, I always enjoyed talking to him and I know he’ll be terribly missed by many, especially his family. Be comforted knowing that he and your Mom are now together again. May God Bless you as you grieve. With sympathy and friendship, Mike and Janice Memory Eternal

  7. Clyde was a man that one could easily admire and respect. He told me a lot of stories about the war and the attack on Pearl at the VFW. It won’t be the same not seeing his smiling face at the Post. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies and God Bless!

  8. Dear Mr. D. and family, You have our deepest sympathy over the loss of your precious father. God bless you and your entire family. Jill and Gene Tucker

  9. Hi DeAngelo Family, My name is Lou Deffenbaugh son of George who was one of Clydes closest friends. My dad loved clyde and I had the honor of meeting him one time when he and my dad were together. God Bless you and help you thru this difficult time. George Deffenbaugh’s Son -LOU

  10. Dear DiAngelo family, I’m so sad to hear of Cumba Clyde’s passing. He was always such a kind and sweet man. I have many fond memories of him and Cuma Olga. May you soon find peace in the memories you shared with him. Thinking of you all.

  11. Clyde belonged to that great generation which served its country in World War II, and was at Pearl Harbor on that “day which will live in infamy.” Not only did Clyde put his life on the line during the war, he also risked life and limb to provide for his family, working many years at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. It was there at the Basic Oxygen Furnace that I first met him over 40 years ago. On a summer day the two of us descended a ladder to the bottom of a ladle to line it with brickwork before molten steel was poured into it. After the two of us had raised a good sweat, I came away admiring his work ethic, learning all too well how hard it could be to earn an honest dollar. Being an Italian, he had song in his blood and could croon a tune as well as Dean Martin, another baritone of some renown, who was, according to lore, once beaten in a fight by Clyde’s older brother Archie many years ago. RIP, Clyde. Paul Zelich

  12. To Clyde, Shelia and your families: I am saddened to learn of Uncle Clyde’s passing. I have very fond memories of him playing catch with me when I was a youngster. He was a great brother to my father and a treasured uncle to me. You are all in our thoughts. Jim & Margaret

  13. Shelia and sons, we are so sorry to hear about your father and grandfather. He was a true American hero and was always proud of the part he played in our history.We will miss him telling his stories in the Weirton Daily Times. God Bless him and God Bless America. Your family is in our prayers

  14. Sheila, my thoughts are with you and your family. I remember your father and he was a very nice man. Please always recall your special times with him….it will help make your loss a little easier. Michael

  15. We are so sad to hear of your father’s passing. Clyde “Angle” was one of the kindest, nicest person we have ever met. He always had a story and always made us laugh. We will miss him. It will not be the same not seeing him and talking to him at the VFW. Our prayers are with you and your family.

  16. Clyde and family, You have our deepest sympathy. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  17. Coach I wish I could be there for you but my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We measure a life with years, but its “Not the amount of years you put in, but what you put into those years.” You Dad lived long and added a lot to everone who was in his life. He raised a family and served his country. I know you Dad is a great man and he is still looking over you and is very proud of you.I think its something like 7 degrees to all people on the planet and because you included me in your family as I was growing into a young man, you passed along faith and morals that were taught to you by your father. I thank you but I also thank him because in a round about way I pass along these same attributes to my son and the players I coach in the years to come. I know your hurting but please try to smile because I know he is as he looks over you!

  18. Just wanted say I’m really sorry to hear about Clyde’s passing. I know I enjoyed meeting him and visiting with him when Jim and our family visited years ago. I know he was Jim’s favorite uncle. May you be comforted with God’s love during this time of loss.

  19. Dear DiAngelo Family, Deepest sympathy on the passing of our neighbor, another Terrace Heights long timer. We will miss seeing him and his beloved dog. May the happy memories help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  20. Our sincere condolences for your loss. We all loved Clyde very much. He will be missed by so many. I remember our times together and his sharing of great stories of good and not so good times. He once gave to me a bottle of his wine to give to my father for his 80th birthday. I would bring to Clyde one of his favorites, Steubenville Bakery bread when I could. He would always kid with us as we would enjoy his company. May God bless and rest in peace. We love you Clyde…

  21. Dear DiAngelo Family, I was saddened to hear of Clydes passing. He was such a sweet man, had a smile for everyone and will be missed by many. He and my father Bob Williams were great friends and he became a friend to me. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

  22. Uncle Clyde was my favorite uncle growing up. Even though he was a “Yankee” and I a “Rebel” (LOL) he once covered his car with Rebel flags when coming for a visit to my Grandparents house where we were spending our Summer vacation. I’m gonna miss you Uncle Clyde!

  23. Dear DeAngelo Family Saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad, grandfather, and friend. I really never knew him, only knew Clyde and his dear family. So much loss in such a short time. We will keep you in our prayers. Marie Rinehart and Family

  24. Sheila and Family, My deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. He was and always will be the center of your life. I enjoyed spending time with him and your mom when I visited as a teenager. If you need anything , call. RITA R. RUSZKOWSKI

  25. Sheila, We are so sad to hear about your father. Our deepest condolances to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.

  26. Sheila, We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Clyde, loved being around him and having him joke with us. We are very glad that we too were sometimes in the “Number 1” club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Marty and Tammy

  27. My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Clyde DiAngelo. Clyde was one of the first Marines I met when I join the Tri State Marine Corps Club in Weirton, he was so kind and love to tell his stories. We were both members of the Color Guard there and everytime we when to the cemetery were he was to be buried he would should his stone with his name on it and said some day I will be there. Now he is so raise in peace Cydle you lived a good life, and are with God now and he will take care of you. God Bless you Clyde. Semper Fi Marine

  28. Dear Sheila, I am very sorry to hear of the death of your Dad. God bless you now and always.

  29. Sheila our deepest sympathy for you and your family! Your dad was a very special fellow, always a joy to be around! Please know you have been in our prayers and thoughts. chelsie and I both worked and unfortunately was unable to attend. love and prayers Mark, Donita, Chelsie and Marlee


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