Michael         DePalo, Jr

Michael DePalo, Jr, 79, of Elmira Avenue, Torrington, died November 18 at Litchfield Woods Convalescent Home. He was the husband of the late Jane (O’Keefe) DePalo, who preceded him in death on November 21, 2003.

Born September 5, 1925, in New York City, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Burns) DePalo.

He is survived by one daughter, Barbara DePalo of Bristol; three sons, Thomas DePalo and his wife Jan of Sandy Hook, Robert Warren and his wife Tina of New York, and David Warren and his wife Jackie of Maine; three grandchildren; five great-children; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Richard DePalo.

Mr DePalo was an electrical engineer, employed by Bendix for 18 years. He then started up a new company, Connecticut Microwave Corporation, owning and operating it for 19 years, before selling it in1989. He continued to work for the new owners of CMC for 14 years, until his retirement in 2003. He was employed part-time by Bristol Memorial Works from 1956 to 1966 where he cut, installed, and sandblasted monuments.

He served his country with the US Navy during World War II and during the Korean War. While in the Navy he was stationed aboard the USS Langley, Division Reunion Group CVL27, and was honored with many decorations, including the Atlantic Campaign Medal, the Pacific Campaign Medal with nine Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two Battle Stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal with two Stars, the Victory Medal during his service in World War II, the UN Medal during his service in the Korean War as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged during April of 1953.

Funeral services were held November 22 at the LaPorta-Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield Street, Torrington, with the Rev Terry W. Pfeiffer of the Newtown United Methodist Church officiating. Burial followed in St Peter Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home, Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, Inc, 62 Commercial Boulevard, Torrington, CT 06790-9940.

The Newtown Bee     November 26, 2004