John A. “Johnny D’’ DiVirgilio, 93, of Rostraver Township, died Thursday, May 27, 2021. Born in Delmont on June 24, 1927, he was the son of the late Domenick and Giselda “Jessie” Tristani DiVirgilio. Johnny D was born of immigrant parents from Italy who came to America in hopes of a better and more prosperous life. His parents, their four sons and three daughters made it through the Depression by sheer determination, knowing that if you try hard enough and work hard enough, with God’s help, you CAN make your dreams come true! He worked at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel in Monessen for 38 years and retired in 1986. Joseph Painter taught Johnny how to lay blocks and he did that work on the side with his buddy, Ralph. He began to coach Rostraver Little League in 1950. In 1963, he received an umpire certification in Williamsport and umpired the Little League World Series. In 1967, he was appointed to the Rostraver Township Recreation Commission and participated for several years in the Rostraver River Sweep. He was also an active member of Seven Dolors Church in Yukon. Johnny D honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the 779 USS Douglas Fox and served during the Korean War. He is survived by his loving daughters, Linda (George) Patterson of Rostraver and Sharon (Guy) Fleming of Rostraver; granddaughters, Megan (Scott) Guiler of Monessen, Rebekah Patterson (Dave Muscia) of Rostraver and Valerie Fleming (fiancé Jonathan Hileman) of Dawson; brother, Dante (Adeline) DiVirgilio of Chicago, Ill.; sisters, Joanne (Bob) Torruiso of Perryopolis and Patty (Patsy) Zello of Greensburg; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dear wife, Wanda F. Painter DiVirgilio; sister, Elvera Giocondi; brothers, Eldo DiVirgilio and Fred DiVirgilio. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ASKED TO MEET at Seven Dolors Church, 102 Center St., Yukon, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at which time a funeral Mass will be celebrated with Father Richard Ulam presiding. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions, in Johnny D’s memory, to the Rostraver Township Recreation Fund, 201 Municipal Drive, Rostraver Township, PA 15012.
