Michael W. Diogostine
August 30, 1919 – December 1, 2016
With great sadness we express to you, the passing of an extremely proud World War II combat veteran, Michael W. Diogostine, who passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Life Path Hospice in Sun City Center, Florida. Michael was the son of Guillermo “William” and Philomena (Cocchiola) Diogostine, the youngest son of eight children. Born August 30, 1919 in Waterbury, Conn., Michael attended local schools until leaving to help support his family. For six months in 1939, he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Wyoming and served in combat during World War II in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his children: Terry Jean Longo, whom he called his “best friend” and “Mother Hen,” and her husband Nick of Waterbury, Conn.; Michael and Debbie Diogostine of Thomaston, with whom he lived with during the summers in Connecticut; Susan and Jim Rhoads of Sun City Center, Fla., who through their efforts and caring allowed him to maintain his independence and remain in his own home in Ruskin, Fla. He is also survived by his precious grandsons, Michael “Mikey” Diogostine of Tampa, Fla., and Joseph “Joey” Diogostine of Waterbury, Conn., who were his pride and joy; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia and Richard Miclette; and his dear friend, and last-known surviving member of their World War II 17th Field Artillery Battalion, former Alabama Gov. John Patterson.
Also mourning his loss are several nieces, nephews, friends and several of his children’s friends whom he considered his children and family.
His children wish to extend a special thank you to his caregivers: Stephanie and Sharon, Lindsey and Dana; the doctors and nurses at South Bay Hospital; staff of Sun Terrace Rehab and staff doctor, Dr. Burns; and staff and doctors of Life Path Hospice in Ruskin, Fla. He had many special angels in his life who were there for him every step of the way; you know who you are. God bless you.
On Father’s Day, 2012, he was part of the Honor Flight New England’s trip to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his daughter, Terry Jean. It was one of his most memorable trips; therefore, in lieu of flowers, we ask donations be sent to:
Honor Flight New England, c/o Joseph Byron, P.O. Box 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106.
For more information or to send E-Condolences, visit:
He is survived by his children: Terry Jean Longo, whom he called his “best friend” and “Mother Hen,” and her husband Nick of Waterbury, Conn.; Michael and Debbie Diogostine of Thomaston, with whom he lived with during the summers in Connecticut; Susan and Jim Rhoads of Sun City Center, Fla., who through their efforts and caring allowed him to maintain his independence and remain in his own home in Ruskin, Fla. He is also survived by his precious grandsons, Michael “Mikey” Diogostine of Tampa, Fla., and Joseph “Joey” Diogostine of Waterbury, Conn., who were his pride and joy; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia and Richard Miclette; and his dear friend, and last-known surviving member of their World War II 17th Field Artillery Battalion, former Alabama Gov. John Patterson.
Also mourning his loss are several nieces, nephews, friends and several of his children’s friends whom he considered his children and family.
His children wish to extend a special thank you to his caregivers: Stephanie and Sharon, Lindsey and Dana; the doctors and nurses at South Bay Hospital; staff of Sun Terrace Rehab and staff doctor, Dr. Burns; and staff and doctors of Life Path Hospice in Ruskin, Fla. He had many special angels in his life who were there for him every step of the way; you know who you are. God bless you.
On Father’s Day, 2012, he was part of the Honor Flight New England’s trip to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his daughter, Terry Jean. It was one of his most memorable trips; therefore, in lieu of flowers, we ask donations be sent to:
Honor Flight New England, c/o Joseph Byron, P.O. Box 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106.
For more information or to send E-Condolences, visit: