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Joseph A. DiLaura

By T.J. Woodward

Joseph A. DiLaura, 88 of Batavia, died October 8, 2011 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born May 3, 1923 in Batavia to the late Angelo (Angeline Tazzano) DiLaura. Mr. DiLaura worked for Laborers Union #435 in Rochester prior to his retirement. He was a member of Ascension Parish (St. Anthony’s), the Veness Strollo Post #1602 and the former St. Nicholas Social Club.
            Sailor Joe, as he was known by many, was a 20 year Veteran in the United States Navy, serving in WWII and the Korean War. A man of the “Greatest Generation” Mr. DiLaura saw action in eleven major battles of WWII. He was a part of the Pacific and the Atlantic Theaters, the invasion of North Africa and the invasion of Okinawa where he served aboard the flagship, U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV 17). The aircraft carrier Bunker Hill was the survivor of 2 kamikaze hits where 400 men were lost while engaged in the infamous “Turkey Shoot” on 11 May 1945.
             Joseph Andrew DiLaura was the recipient of many decorations, medals, and ribbons including the Presidential Unit Citation (1-star), WWII Victory Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Area (1-star), Asiatic-Pacific Area (9-stars), and the Philippine Liberation (1-star). During his career in the Navy he truly had been around the horn, literally, and always proud to have served his country.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Frank Minuto, James and Angelo DiLaura and a sister Lena Cutitta.
                                                                                                                        
He is survived by his wife Rose (Schiavi) DiLaura of Batavia sons Joseph J.(Marianne) DiLaura, Daniel (Ann Marie) DiLaura of Batavia; daughters Angela A. DiLaura of Ft. Collins CO and Laurie Ann (Max) Sheer of Caledonia. One sister Celia Klein, a sister in law Virginia DiLaura both of Batavia survive along with 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday October 14, 2011 at 9:30 AM in Ascension Parish – St. Anthony’s site, 122 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in Bath National Cemetery, Bath New York.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 
  

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