Angelo Joseph Virgona

Angelo Joseph Virgona died peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2019 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, after a short illness.  He was 98 years old. 

Angelo was born on June 12, 1921 in Brooklyn, NY.  His parents were Calogero Virgona and Leonarda Curreri.  Angelo married Mary Girgenti on June 11, 1949.  They were a devoted couple and did everything together for 65 years until her death in 2014.  They met before WWII.  Technical Sgt. Angelo served in WWII with the Army Air Force.  He was a Radio Operator, Mechanic, and Gunner in the European Theater.  He flew 35 missions and received the Air Medal with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Service Stars, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. 

After the war, Angelo used the GI bill to pursue a Chemistry degree at Fordham University.  With this degree, he became employed at ER Squibb and Sons while living in Piscataway, NJ.  While in Piscataway, Angelo and Mary raised four children ~ Charles (Terry), Richard (Valerie), Fred (Mariann), and Mary (William).  He then took a job at Union Carbide in Tuxedo, NY, and the family moved to Chester, NY.  His final job was Plant Manager at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in NJ.  In the 1970’s, they moved to Apopka, Florida and ran a plant nursery for many years.  After retiring, Angelo and Mary enjoyed cruising to many locations including Japan, Italy, Alaska, Hong Kong, and Hawaii (to see the eclipse).  They loved traveling together.  Angelo and Mary  also volunteered at the Apopka Police Deaprtment, the Orange County Sheriff Department, and with their local church, St. Francis of the Assisi in Apopka.  In their final years, they moved to Bluffton, SC, near their son Fred.

Family life was very important to Angelo.  He encouraged all of his children to get a college education.  He was a proud and devoted grandparent.  He had three grandchildren Michael Virgona (Brandi), Joseph Virgona (Stacee), and Thomas Buskey.  He adored his great-grandaughter Lyanna Virgona.  Angelo took great joy in his family.  He loved a good meal, especially Italian food.  He enjoyed Opera and Italian music.

Angelo was predeceased by his parents, Calogero and Leonarda, his sisters Jean Cincotta, and Carmela Lanzano, and his wife Mary.  He leaves behind his children, grandchildren, great granddaughter, and many, many nieces and nephews.  Angelo will be truly missed by all who knew him.  He lived a long, full life.  He was deeply loved.

Family will be receiving visitors on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd, Bluffton, SC between 5PM and 7:30PM.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Peters Catholic Church, Beaufort, SC on Thursday, December 5, 2019.   Angelo will receive Military Funeral Honors at Beaufort National Cemetery at 1 PM Thursday, December 5, 2019.

Those wishing to honor his memory may consider donating to wreathsacrossamerica.org or any charity of your choice.

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