Andrew DiFonzo
June 6, 1938 ~ August 15, 2007
Andrew “Andy” V. DiFonzo, 69, of Weirton, passed away Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at his home, with his family at his side. He was born June 6, 1938, in Pettorano Sal Gizio, Italy, a son of the late Vincent and Rosa Crognale DiFonzo.
Andy came to America at the age of nine. He retired from Starvaggi Industries, where he worked as supervisor at the Half Moon. He also owned and operated Casa Del Vino, The Hideway Lounge, Andy’s Full Service Cleaning Company, PS Marketing, and served as Steward at the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, was Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 3734, K of C Fourth Degree Assembly and the I S D A. Andy dedicated many hours volunteering for fund-raising events for the community. He served as President of the Madonna Boosters, and was a member of the Zoning Board for the City of Weirton.
Andy’s survivors include his wife Mary Rocchio DiFonzo of Weirton, whom he married June 11, 1960; son Vincent DiFonzo and his wife Cheryl of Newark, Delaware; daughters Monica Eafrati and her husband Danni of Brigantine, NJ; Denise Haught and her husband Chris and Andrea Burns and her husband John all of Moon Township, PA; sisters Margaret Petrelle and Patty Blanc both of Weirton and grandchildren Andrew, Vinnie, Jadin, Nico, Joshua, Grace, Jarad and Mariona.
The family will receive friends Thursday 6-8 PM and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. The Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 6 PM Friday. Fourth Degree Assembly Honor Guard will be 6-8 PM Friday.
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church.
Entombment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter or to the American Diabetes Association.
Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, wish we could have been there to help you all through this tough time. John and Andrea we will have our inspirational BL awaiting your return for a little down time when you are ready. God Bless all of you!!!! Many Blessings! Your Friends, Chris and Peggy Snyder
Monica and Family, I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father. You and yours are in our prayers.
Dear DiFonzo Family, We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. DiFonzo. As you know, He was a wonderful man and a great friend to my Dad. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dear “Aunt” Mary, Vince, Monica, Andrea, Denise & Families: Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Andy was such a caring & generous man. I know you will all miss him very much, but keep in your hearts that he is in a much better place. Some of my fondest childhood memories include the sleep-overs with Vince & Frank Rocchio at your house. I often find myself reminiscing about my youth, and your family is often in my mind. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. If we can do anything for you, please let us know.
Vince, Donna and I were sad to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Dear Mary Vince Monica Andrea Denise and Family We are deeply sadden by Andy’s passing. We have many fond memories. Life is way to short and Andy lived his life to the fulliest. Proud to be his godson…Dave All of you are in Lisa’s and I prayers God Bless Dave and Lisa
Dear, Mary, Vince, Monica, Andrea,Denise & families, I am so sorry to hear of your loss today. I certainly feel blessed to have known your husband/dad. Growing up next door to your family brings back many precious memories for me. Our families have certainly shared the good times and the hard times. I am also glad that I could be with Andy many mornings at dialysis. He was so proud of all of you. I have never seen a man with so many dedicated friends. There are not many individuals that have the help in driving and care as your dad did. He was certainly loved. May you all be blessed with cherished memories of him. He truly loved his family. Love to all of you, Kimmy
Vince and Family, We are saddened by your loss and have you in our thoughts and prayers. Kelly and Kendall Massett
To the DiFonzo family: I am deeply saddened by the loss of Andy. He was a mentor and friend to me when we worked at Starvaggi Industries. He was truly an inspiration to family and friends and will always be remembered for his generousity and kind heart.
Dear Mary, Vince, Denise, Andrea, Monica, Patty, Margaret and all the family, We are very sorry not to be there with you. We are away on vacation and Johnnie let us know the news. Andy was a favorite of my mother’s and always had that welcoming smile to light up a room. Thinking of you with sadness today and will spend some time thinking of the happier times we were lucky to share with all of you. Love, Mary Margaret Thad and Marco
To the DiFonzo family and Andy’s many friends: I was saddened to learn of Andy’s death. He was a true joy to be around. My friendship with him emanated from the annual “guys golf trip” to Myrtle Beach every April. As a newcomer to the group 16 years ago, I met Andy the first day and instantly liked him. He made me and the other “Charleston guys” feel that we’d all been friends for years. I will miss the warmth of his personality, his sense of humor, his laughter, his oneriness, and the constant Pitt/WVU banter. He was a wonderful man and the world is a better place because he was here. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are very sorry to hear about Andy. Our prayers and sympathy are with the entire family. Tony & Ruth Licata
To the DiFonzo family: I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. DiFonzo. He always treated me like gold, and was a true asset to the Weirton community. God Bless all of you. He will be missed.
Vince I am keeping you and all of your Family in my thoughts and Prayers Debbie
Dear Vince and family: Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Although too soon, his many accomplishments upon coming to America reflect a great legacy and impact upon others . Our thoughts are with you at this time.
I have not seen you in many years however I have many fond memories of the years spent working together at starvaggi ind. You were the most upbeat person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.You taught me the first step in overcoming a problem is believing you can accomplish it regardless of the circumstances. You will be missed my friend.
Dear Andrea, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Joe, Lisa, Nicholas, Nathalie and Lauren Boron
Dear Mary & family, I was so very sorry to read of Andy’s passing. It really brought back alot of memories & good times we all had together. You & your family have my deepest sympathy. God Bless Dolores & family
My deepest sympathy and regards to the DiFonzo family. God bless you and yours.
Mary and Family I am truely sorry to hear of Andy’s passing I have known him a long time. And for the last 7 months or so had the pleasure of serving him his coffee every morning. when he was able God Bless you and you will be in our Prayers
To the family of Andrew DiFonzo. On behalf of the Bereavement Ministry of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, your parish family extends their deepest sympathy to you. Andrew, in loving memory, will be enrolled in the church’s memorial fund. Many blessings-Bereavement Ministry Saint Joseph the Worker Christian Mothers
Di Fonzo Family Andy was most likley the best known person in Weirton. He was always so kind to every body.He always had a smile on his face from the days at the K of C and the restaurant and bar to the cleaning service. Ask him about his family and the biggest smile would emerge and his pride wwould show in abundance, We are all better off for knowing Andy and having him in our lives.
To the family- My sincere condolences. Prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time. Teresa
Denise, I know it has been a long time since I have seen you and your family, however, I was very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I will always cherish the wonderful memories he played a part in while visiting your house when we were young. You, your Mom, Vince, Monica, Andrea, and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Ericca
Margaret, Patty, Loretta & family: We are so sorry about the loss of Andy & will keep your family in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Vicki & Terry
We are so sorry for your loss and regret that we could not share our condolences in person. My mom, who loved working with Andy at the K of C and always thought he was a very special person, wishes to express her sympathy and hopes to see you when she returns to Weirton. We will always remember Andy’s smile and sense of humor. He was always so jovial and friendly. Please know that we are among the many who are thinking of and praying for you. Greg & Fay Stump Frances Asfour
To my Aunt Andrea, my Uncle John, and my Cousins Josh and Grace, I am very sorry to you all that I wasn’t able to make it to Mr. DiFonzo’s Funeral. I had to work that day. That is why I’m very happy to write and online condolence to now about his passing away. I am so sorry about Mr. DiFonzo’s death. I didn’t really know him that well but I do have to still show my sympathy to my Aunt Andrea about him since that was her father. I’ll keep the surviving members of Mr. DiFonzo’s family in my thoughts and prayers as they go through this time of hardship and I would’ve been more than honored to have made it to his funeral to pay my respects to them.
Denise and Kris, Andrea and John, Jarad, Marionna, Josh and Gracie, Our thoughts and prayers our with you and all of you family!!
Annie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Andy. Jeanette sent me an e-mail on the 19th and I just checked it today (20th)I didn’t know that he was ill and I feel really bad that I didn’t know he passed away. May all the prayers sent to our Heavenly Father provide comfort and solace to you and your family at this time. FRank and Sharon Cuomo
Mary, Vince, Monica, Denise, and Andrea: I am saddened at the loss of your husband, father, and my cousin, Andy. I remember Andy best with my father and the fun times they had laughing, playing golf, and just being good friends. I remember how much my dad loved Andy and how much Andy missed my dad when he left us. It is the sadness of these losses that affect us most and yet we know that they are both at peace, pain free, living a world where it’s 18 holes of golf every day! My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this most difficult time. My heart is sad for all of our loss and I pray that God’s spirit and love is with each of you everyday of this journey. Much love, your cousin Jeannette in Seattle
Mary and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Andy was a great guy and a wonderful neighbor – the best we’ve ever had! Please let us know if you need anything. Will be honored to help. Prayers for everyone, Patricia and Ben
Dear Patti, Margaret, Loretta and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss. May Andy rest in peace. Sincerely, Charlotte and Bill DuFour
Dear DiFonzo family,We are very sorry about your loss,Andy was a good friend when we were involved at the K of C and always had nice things to say about everyone. His positive attitude regarding his life and family was a trait that everyone ideniified with Andy. Sincerely,Patty and Rich Wieloh
Dear Denise and family, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I wish I could have gone to his services to see all of you. I know that the two of you were very close and he thought the world of you and your entire family. You and your family are in my thought and prayers. Sincerely, Jennifer and boys
Mary, It’s been so many years! but we still feel too young to be reading obituaries of old friends. I’m so sorry for your loss. I had no idea Andy was failing. It sounds like his life was very full, and that you have the comfort of a large, loving family surrounding you. Take care of yourself and God Bless Carole (Evancho) DeLuca
Mary and Family, There is very little to offer when someone is taken from us. Andy was a lot of things, but what stands out in my mind is that he was fun to be around. I remember him when I was young and still remember him as we all aged. God Bless to you all. He has a lot of company.