OBITS: Staten Island Advance 15 Oct 2005; Staten Island, Richmond co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Staten Island Advance Death Notices http://www.statenislandadvance.com/ Benke, Ralph Ralph Benke, age 78, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2005, in San Antonio, TX. Ralph left home in the summer of 1943 to join the Navy and to fight in the Pacific war. He served on an aircraft carrier at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His carrier was part of the fleet accepting the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. He transferred to the Coast Guard in 1946. He served in Korea, Alaska, and the Aleutian Island (light house duty) before transferring to New York for duty in the Atlantic. After retiring from the Coast Guard he joined Civil Service and was in charge of the Coas Guard Depot machine shop located in Brooklyn NY. He built equipment used in Vietnam and installed it at Da Nang where he came under fire, making him a veteran of three wars. Ralph was an outdoors man who hunted and fished all over the world. Mr. Benke is survived by his daughters Pearl Stoller and Husband Bill of Sequim, Washington, Rolena Redner of Port Angeles, Washington, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brothers Lloyd Benke & wife Betty of San Antonio, TX, and James Lee Benke and Wife Maxine, his very special caregiver for the past year and half. A visistation will be held 6-8:00 P.M. Sunday, October 16, 2005, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted 10:00 A.M. Monday October 17, 2005, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Helotes, TX. Please join us in honoring Ralph, by visiting our memorial at www.mem.com and share your thoughts and fond memories with our family. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/15/2005. Cahill, Helen Helen Cahill of Westerleigh on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Michael. Loving mother of Robert. Dear sister of Antoinette Tolas. Devoted grandmother of Robert, Kirk, Kevin and Kelly Dean. Also survived by twelve great-grandchildren. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Monday 9:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Family R.C. Church 9:45 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005. DeLuca, Antonio Joseph Antonio Joseph DeLuca of Mariners Harbor on October 13, 2005. Husband of Roberta (nee Balsan) DeLuca. Son of the late John and Rosa DeLuca. Father of Darlene Rand, Carl, Todd and Timothy DeLuca, Claire Murawski, and Tonia Vitacco. Brother of John , Salvatore, and Elinor DeLuca, Rose Sagaria, Margaret Martucci and Mary D'Esposito. Also survived by twenty grandchildren and one great-grandchildren. Funeral from the Scamardella Funeral Home, 322 Broadway, West Brighton, on Monday. Interment Ocean View Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Joann Scamardella Licensed Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. DiTonno, Alba Alba DiTonno on October 14, 2005. Beloved wife of 55 years to Danny. Loving sister to Mary Ficarra and Penny Lubecki. Also survived and loved by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Monday 8:15 A.M. Mass 9:15 A.M. St. Charles Church. Visiting 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Saturday and Sunday. Hanley Funeral Home, Inc Family Owned and Operated www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Farrell, Helen F. (Sholes) Helen F. Farrell (nee Sholes), YNC, USCGR-Ret of Patchogue, on October 14, 2005. Beloved wife of George. Devoted mother of Hugh, Jason and Robin. Loving daughter of Florence Sholes. Dear sister of Ruth Mehus and William Sholes. Dear grandmother of ten grandchildren. Visitation Monday 7-9 P.M. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at Robertaccio Funeral Home Inc. 85 Route 112 Patchogue, Funeral Mass Wednesday 10 A.M. at St. Francis deSales RC Church. Interment Oceanview Cemetery, SI, NY. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/15/2005. Gonzalez, Ralph Ralph Gonzalez of Midland Beach on October 13, 2005. Beloved husband of Frances (nee Vales). Loving father of Manuel and Steven Gonzalez. Dear brother of Carmen Fernandez. Devoted grandfather of Mark, Daniel, David and Carissa Gonzalez. Funeral from the Richmond Funeral Home, 2052 Richmond Road at Midland Ave., on Monday 9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary's Church 10 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Saturday 7-9:30 P.M., Sunday 2-4 and 7-9:30 P.M. Richmond Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/15/2005. Hart, Eleanor A. Eleanor A. Hart of Brandon, Florida, formerly of Dongan Hills on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Elmer. Loving mother of David and mother-in-law of Linda. Dear sister of Margaret Goller. Cherished aunt of Michelle and Scott Buono. Cousin of Ed Donaghy. A Funeral service will be held at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Rd., Tuesday 10 A.M. Interment at Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may visit Sunday 7-9 P.M. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated since 1841 www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/17/2005. Molina, Maria Maria Molina of Eltingville on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Nicolas. Devoted mother of Luis, Mireya and Fernando. Dearest sister of Cecilia, Victoria, Rafael and Soledad Ortiz. Also survived by her seven grandchildren. Funeral from from JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS, 28 ELTINGVILLE BLVD. (AT ELTINGVILLE STATION), Monday 10:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Child Church 10:45 A.M. Committal Evergreen Crematory. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Sunday from 2-4 ; 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/15/2005. Moran, Edwin T. Edwin T. Moran on October 11, 2005 of Springhill, Fl., Army Veteran of Korean conflict. Beloved husband of the late Jeanette and the late Betty. Devoted father of Edwin Moran (Susan), Denise Moran Leal (Jack) and step-father of Drew Sfraneck, Larry Sfraneck and Lisa Sfraneck. Dear brother of eight siblings. Also survived by eight cherished grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Reposing at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home Inc., 3863 Merrick Rd, Seaford (2 traffice lights E. of Rt 135). Mass of Christian Burail Monday 10 A.M. St. William the Abbot R.C. Church. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. Hours today and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/15/2005. Napolitano, Sebastian Sebastian Napolitano of East Meadow, LI on October 8, 2005. (WWII Veteran). Beloved husband of Josephine. Loving father of Dr. Patrick (Josephine), Roseann Quaranta (Arnold) and Lauri Hartman (Craig). Devoted brother of Vivian Senzatimore. Cherished grandfather of Anthony, Lisa, Jennifer, Justin, Grant, Chelsea, Taylor and Luke. Funeral was held on Wednesday, October 12, at St. Brigid R.C. Church. Interment followed at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, Levittown Chapel. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/15/2005. Scarlett Sr., John Henry SR. John Henry Scarlett, Sr. of Port Richmond on October 5, 2005. Son of the late Claude and Ida Scarlett. Father of Tonya, Twan and Rod ney Scarlett and the late John Scarlett, Jr. Brother of Donald Scarlett and July Lipcomb. Also survived by three grandchildren. Funeral from the Scamardella Funeral Home, 322 Broadway, West Brighton, on Saturday 10:00 A.M. Interment Rosehill Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday 2-4 and 7-8 P.M. Service at 8 P.M. Joann Scamardella Licensed Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/15/2005. Shapiro, Jack Jack Shapiro on October 13, 2005. Devoted husband of the late Mitzi. Loving father of Howard. Dear father-in-law of Betty Ann. Cherished grandfather of Karyn and George. Fond great-grandfather of Ronny, Michael, Ryanne, Matthew and Nicholas. Service will be held at Menorah Chapels, 2145 Richmond Avenue, S.I., NY. Sunday 12 P.M. Interment United Hebrew Cemetery. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/15/2005. Sheil, Ed SHEIL Officers and Members of Manrea Counsel #2147 will meet at Casey McCullum Rice Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave. Sunday evening at 7:30 P.M. to pay our respects to our departed member Ed Sheils. Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/15/2005. Sheil, Edward SHEIL Members of the Kiwanis Club of Staten Island are requested to attend the Sunday, October 16, viewing at Casey McCallum-Rice Funeral Home, Nelson Ave, at 7 P.M. to honor our fallen friend, Edward Sheil. Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Sheil, Edward F. Edward F. Sheil on October 13, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Lorraine (nee Martin). Loving father of Martin Sheil and Betsy Dubovsky. Adored grandfather of Neal and Allison Dubovsky and Dylan Sheil. Funeral service from Casey McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave, Great Kills on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Child Church at 9:45 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers contributions to Kamp Kiwanis District Foundation c/o Marrazzo and Dollard 1265 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York, 10314 would be appreciated. Casey McCallum-Rice Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005. Shotwell, Enrica Angela (Frohn) Enrica Angela Shotwell (nee Frohn) on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Henry Shotwell, III. Dear mother of Henry P. Shotwell, IV and James D. Shotwell. Fond mother in law of Mary B. Etter. Also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral from Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, P.R., on Monday 9:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church 10:30 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Sunday 3-5, 7-9 P.M. Please join us in honoring Enrica by visiting our Memorial at www.mem.com Through this site we invite you to share your fond memories and thoughts with our family. Thank you. Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home Family Owned www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005. Simone, Joseph Joseph Simone of Great Kills on October 12, 2005. Beloved husband of Eileen. Devoted father of Peter and Tina. Loving brother of Philip and Marie. Reposing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 9:45 A.M. St. Clare's Church. Interment Moravian Cemetery. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Varvaro, Rosalie Rosalie Varvaro on October 14 2005. Beloved wife of the late Emanuel. Devoted mother Lisa and Ralph Panaro and Stephen and Kariane Varvaro. Cherished grandmother of Cassandra and Daniel Panaro and Michael Varvaro. Loving daughter of Pasquale LaSalle. Fond sister of Sally Groves. Reposing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10:15 A.M. St Charles Church Interment Moravian Cemetery. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. THERESA VIGLIOTTI, 77 Secretary enjoyed traveling across U.S. and Europe Saturday, October 15, 2005 Theresa B. Vigliotti of Little Egg Harbor, N.J., a former Staten Island resident, homemaker and retired executive secretary, died Thursday in Southern Ocean County Hospital, Manahawkin, N.J. It was her 77th birthday. "She was one of the most giving and caring persons that I've ever known in my life," said her brother, Malio M. Vigliotti, who had a very close relationship with his sister -- who practically raised him from when he was small boy. Born in West Brighton, Miss Vigliotti moved to Silver Lake in the 1960s and relocated to Little Egg Harbor in 1999. She worked for more than 20 years as an executive secretary for Chase Bank in Manhattan. She retired in 1990. A former volunteer of the Deborah Hospital Foundation, Miss Vigliotti also helped out at the Family Medical Center in Little Egg Harbor. She enjoyed traveling across the United States and was especially fond of the few trips she took to Europe, where she visited Italy, France and Greece. Miss Vigliotti was a former parishioner of St. Theresa's R.C. Church, Little Egg Harbor. In addition to her brother, surviving is her sister, Julia Fillingin. Arrangements, including cremation, are being handled by the Wood Funeral Home, Tuckerton, N.J. ROSE DiMOLFETTA, 76 Loved cooking Italian specialties for her family Saturday, October 15, 2005 Rose DiMolfetta, 76, of Oakwood, a homemaker, died Oct. 6 in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. The former Rose Capurso attended St. Anthony's R.C. 1997 School and was a parishioner of the church, both located in her native Manhattan. Mrs. DiMolfetta worked in a sewing factory from the time she turned 18 until she married Jerome DiMolfetta and moved to New Dorp. She moved to Oakwood four years ago. Mrs. DiMolfetta was a member of the Dongan Hills chapter of the AARP and the Arrochar Friendship Club. She was an excellent cook, her family said, making Italian dishes such as eggplant and meatballs. Mrs. DiMolfetta also enjoyed entertaining and cooking for her entire family. She enjoyed dancing, especially with her son, Joseph, and attending social functions. Mrs. DiMolfetta was a parishioner of St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood. Her husband of 37 years, Jerome, died 15 years ago. In addition to her son, Joseph, Mrs. DiMolfetta is survived by five brothers, Jack, Ralph, Pepe, Mauro and Benny, and a sister, Nancy Capurso. The arrangements, including burial, were handled by the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp. RALPH GONZALEZ, 73 Bank supervisor loved gardening and restoring cars Saturday, October 15, 2005 Ralph Gonzalez, 73, of Midland Beach, a decorated Ko 2004 rean War veteran and former bank supervisor, died Thursday at home after a long illness. Born in Cordoba, Spain, he moved to Manhattan, where he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. In December 1951, he joined the U.S. Army and earned the rank of corporal while serving in Korea in the 5th Armored Division, 179th Infantry Regiment Medical Company. Mr. Gonzalez was awarded three Bronze Stars before being discharged in November 1953. Soon after his return home, he met Frances Vales at a club dance, and the couple married on Dec. 18, 1954. They resided in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, but spent the summer months in Midland Beach during the mid-to-late 1950s. They settled permanently in Midland Beach in 1975. Mr. Gonzalez was a supervisor for the Bank of New York in Manhattan for 25 years, retiring in 1987. Upon his retirement, this longtime New York Mets fan devoted his leisure time to his two hobbies: Gardening and restoring classic cars. "He liked growing tomatoes and peppers in his backyard garden," said his son, Steven. "And he really enjoyed buying old cars and fixing them up. He had a bunch over the years, like Packards and Fairlanes. He'd drive them around for a year or so, then get bored and sell them and start the process all over again. He was a pretty handy guy. "But my father's greatest love was for his family -- including his nephew, Anthony, and his nieces, Maria and Camelia." Mr. Gonzalez was a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary's R.C. Church, Midland Beach. In addition to his wife of 50 years, Frances, and his son, Steven, he is survived by his son, Manuel; a sister, Carmen Fernandez, and four grandchildren. The funeral will be Monday from the Richmond Funeral Home, Grant City, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Margaret Mary's Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. MARY LUND, 76 Enjoyed sharing family stories with grandchildren Saturday, October 15, 2005 Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Lund, 76, a longtime Staten Islander, homemaker and volunteer, died Wednesday at her Oakwood home, of a heart attack. Born Mary Elizabeth Mousseau in Montreal, Canada, she was brought to New York City at the age of 3. She spent two years in Schuylerville, N.Y., where she graduated from high school, and lived in Brooklyn and the Bronx before settling in Oakwood in 1959. Mrs. Lund dedicated her time to caring for her home and family. During the 1960s, she volunteered as a teacher's aide at St. Charles School in Oakwood, where she taught reading to first-graders. Until 1980, Mrs. Lund had spent 12 years as a Girl Scout leader for various Oakwood troops while her daughter, Karen Lund, was a child. She pursued interests in science and archaeology by reading nonfiction, but she loved mystery novels the most. Mrs. Lund sewed clothing for herself and for her daughter, and was a "great, all-around cook," her family said. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, Lara and John Lund. Mrs. Lund's mother, who lived in Scotland, was the subject of many stories she enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren. Mrs. Lund was a parishioner of St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood. "She was outgoing and talkative," said her daughter. "She always made people feel comfortable and welcome, even when she met someone for the first time." In addition to her daughter, Karen, and her two grandchildren, Mrs. Lund is survived by her husband of 54 years, Arthur, and her son, Kenneth. The funeral is scheduled for today from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 10:15 a.m. in St. Charles Church. Arrangements include cremation. JACK SHAPIRO, 91 Brooklyn business owner was a serious cardplayer Saturday, October 15, 2005 Jack Shapiro, a World War II veteran who owned the former Jack's Luncheonette, a 1941 Sheepshead Bay staple, died Thursday in Golden Gate Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Meiers Corners. The 91-year-old had resided in the center for more than a year. A native of East New York, Brooklyn, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A weapons expert, he trained recruits at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and various bases in the U.S. and the Philippines until the end of World War II. He attained the rank of first master sergeant. After his tour of duty, Mr. Shapiro met his wife-to-be, the former Mitzi Beichman, at a dance in Brighton Beach. "He fell madly in love with her and they were married nine months later," said his daughter-in-law, Betty Ann Shapiro. The couple wed in Manhattan on the night of the "Blizzard of 1947." Family lore has it that the Brooklyn rabbi who officiated was paid extra to brave the snow. Upon their marriage, the Shapiros moved to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. From 1962 to 1972, the couple owned and operated the former Jack's Luncheonette, a local gathering spot famous for its brisket. During the decade that followed, Mr. Shapiro worked part-time at King's Pharmacy in Sheepshead Bay. He retired after Mrs. Shapiro died in 1982. In 1984, he relocated to Boca Raton, Fla. He moved to his son's home in Rossville in 2002. A serious card player, Mr. Shapiro played poker at least twice a week. "He was quite good," his daughter-in-law said. "He had a very analytical mind." He also enjoyed taking long walks throughout his neighborhood. Mr. Shapiro loved taking his grandchildren, George and Karyn, to the movies when they were young. "He was a very friendly and interesting man," said Betty Ann. "He told great stories and loved talking. He was well-loved." In addition to his two grandchildren, surviving are his son, Howard, and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be tomorrow at noon in the Menorah Chapels, New Springville. Burial will follow in United Hebrew Cemetery, Richmond. ENRICA SHOTWELL, 86 Social worker and animal lover enjoyed reading Saturday, October 15, 2005 Former Staten Islander Enrica Angela Shotwell, 86, a retired social worker, died Thursday in Sagebrook Health Center, Cedar Park, Texas. The former Enrica Angela Frohn was born in Manhattan and spent most of her youth there. She moved to Great Kills in 1950 and to Oakwood 10 years later. Mrs. Shotwell relocated to Toms River, N.J., in 1987 and to Austin, Texas, in 2003. After graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, the Bronx, she became a social worker for the city. She later worked at New York Foundling Hospital until retiring in the early 1970s. Mrs. Shotwell was an avid reader, especially on the topic of England's royal family. She also enjoyed playing cards and was a true animal lover, owning many cats and dogs. "She was a devoted wife and mother," said her son, James. Mrs. Shotwell was a parishioner of St. Theresa's R.C. Church in Austin. Her husband of 45 years, Henry III, died in 1986. In addition to her son, James, Mrs. Shotwell is surviving by her son, Henry IV; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Monday from the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church, New Dorp. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. DONALD HONABLUE, 56 Musician and former broker served in Vietnam Saturday, October 15, 2005 Native Staten Islander Donald E. Honablue, 56, of Saluda, Va., a musician, Vietnam War veteran and former broker, died Wednesday in McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Va., of lung cancer. A trumpeter, Mr. Honablue fronted his own band after graduating from Port Richmond High School in the mid-1960s. His family said he later performed for a time with the late legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis at jobs in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Mr. Honablue was born in Mariners Harbor and grew up in Port Richmond. He relocated to Saluda 18 years ago. As a youngster, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. After graduating from high school, Mr. Honablue worked for a Manhattan brokerage house for two years. He then joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1972, assigned to an Air Force base as a security communications specialist. After returning to the United States, he was classified as disabled and took up residence with his parents. While living on Staten Island, Mr. Honablue was a member of Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church, West Brighton. Surviving are his parents, Bernice and Richard Honablue Sr.; his brother, Dr. Richard Honablue, and his sister, Cynthia Honablue. The funeral service will be Monday at 1 p.m. in the J.K. Redmond Funeral Home, Shacklefords, Va. Burial will follow in Windsor Garden Cemetery, Dutton, Va. ANTONIO DELUCA, 72 Retired DEP supervisor, hospital security guard Saturday, October 15, 2005 Antonio Joseph DeLuca, 72, a lifelong Mariners Harbor resident and retired supervi 2005 sor for the city Department of Environmental Protection, died Thursday at his home. A graduate of McKee High School, Mr. DeLuca owned and operated a Texaco gas station in Castleton Corners before he went to work for the DEP in 1959. He began his career as a construction laborer and retired in 2002 as a supervisor in a Manhattan yard, where he was in charge of water main repairs. Mr. DeLuca also worked part-time for 28 years as a security guard at St. Vincent's Hospital in West Brighton. But it was his lifelong love of cars and knowledge of mechanics that he passed on to his three sons. "He was always under the hood," recalled his son, Carl. Mr. DeLuca was also devoted to his family and to his evangelical Christian faith, which was solidified after he attended the Rev. Billy Graham's crusade at the Meadowlands in 1991, said his family. "[Dad] was God's gift to all of us. He spent all his retirement money on his six children and 20 grandchildren," added his son. In addition to fixing cars, Mr. DeLuca enjoyed watching wrestling matches. Surviving, along with his son, Carl, are his wife of 47 years, the former Roberta Balsam; his sons, Todd and Timothy; his three daughters, Darlene Rand, Claire Murawski and Tonia Vitacco; two brothers, John and Salvatore DeLuca; four sisters, Rose Sagaria, Elinor DeLuca, Margaret Martucci and Mary D'Esposito; 20 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. A private funeral service will be held Monday in the Scamardella Funeral Home, West Brighton. Burial will be in Ocean View Cemetery, Oakwood. ALBA DiTONNO, 85 Oakwood homemaker sang in church choir Saturday, October 15, 2005 Alba DiTonno, 85, of Oakwood, a homemaker, died yesterday in St. Vincent's Hospital, West Brighton. Born Alba Prete in Brooklyn, she was brought to New 2000 Brighton as a child. She attended Curtis High School and later worked as a seamstress at a factory in New Brighton. She also worked at neighborhood toy factory for several years. During World War II, Mrs. DiTonno joined the USO on Staten Island and sang for servicemen at the former Halloran Hospital, Willowbrook, and the former Merchant Seaman Club in Brooklyn. She met Donato (Danny) DiTonno, the best friend of her sister's fiance, while visiting the latter at the former Coast Guard base on Governors Island. The couple married in 1950. "She always called her husband, 'My Danny,'" said Mrs. DiTonno's sister, Mary Ficarra. "Their whole life was each other." Upon her marriage, Mrs. DiTonno moved to Oakwood and dedicated her time to caring for her husband and home. A parishioner of St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood, she sang soprano in variety shows there and was a member of the choir for 25 years. At home, she composed both popular and classical pieces for the piano and played the organ. Mrs. DiTonno loved spending summer evenings with friends at Great Kills Park, Gateway National Recreation Area. She enjoyed decorating -- having created the decorations for her nieces' bridal showers -- and she sewed and mended clothing for herself and her extended family. Mrs. DiTonno also liked to bake cookies for her friends and family every Christmas. "She was a loving, caring sister who was always ready to help others," said Mrs. Ficarra. "She was also a devoted and active aunt to her four nieces, her nephew, and her five great nieces." The Rev. Robert Gannon, former pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church, New Dorp, and a guidance counselor at Moore Catholic High School in Graniteville, met Mrs. DiTonno three decades ago at St. Charles Church. "She was gentle, quiet and hardworking," he said. "She was completely dedicated to whatever she did, and she was a loyal friend." Former Borough President Guy Molinari recalled that Mrs. DiTonno had a "legion of friends" from LaFontana, Oakwood, where her husband was a bartender for 16 years. She was known by many there as "the wife of Danny the bartender." "She was always at her husband's side," said Molinari. "She was full of kindness and compassion. She was like an angel." The funeral will be Monday from the Hanley Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 9:15 a.m. in St. Charles Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.