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In Memoriam |
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Aldo
Lorenzo Icardi |
Aldo Lorenzo Icardi passed away peacefully
on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, in
Birmingham, AL with family at his side. Aldo
was born March 1, 1921, in Pittsburgh, PA to
Giovane and Agnese Icardi. Aldo was fond of
noting he was conceived in Italy but born in
America after his parents arrived on the
boat. He grew up in the Mt Washington
neighborhood of Pittsburgh, attended South
Hills High School and graduated from the
University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. and
Pitt’s Law School. Aldo married his
childhood sweetheart, Eleanor Thompson, on
September 11, 1943.
During WWII Aldo served in the Office of
Strategic Services (OSS), and parachuted
behind enemy lines in Northern Italy in
September 1944 where he provided
intelligence and support to the Italian
Partisans until the liberation of Europe in
1945. Aldo served his country honorably and
depicted his experiences in his book,
“American Master Spy”. His service was
respected and honored by fellow soldiers,
Italian partisan groups and even German POWs
whose lives he protected. He was awarded
the Legion of Merit by the U.S. government
and the Silver Medal, the second highest
military honor, by the Italian government.
After the war Aldo and Ellie lived in Lima,
Peru where Aldo studied and received a
second law degree in International law.
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In 1954, Aldo and Ellie moved to
McMurray, PA where they raised their five children.
Aldo worked at the Italian Sons & Daughters of America (ISDA)
for many years and was active in the Washington County
Democratic Party. In 1969 he moved his family to
Maitland, FL where he lived until recently. Aldo was
admitted to the Florida Bar in 1972 and he practiced law
until he was 80 years old. For much of his legal career
he partnered with children Patrice and Jeff.
Aldo had a zest and exuberance that
spilled into all aspects of his life. At any party
where Aldo could take the stage, a songfest followed
with a required rendition of the old Italian song, Santa
Lucia, and a Pitt Fight Song medley. Aldo’s long life
of community service included support for BETA, Morning
Star Charities, the Central Florida Council of
International Visitors, the USO and the Maitland Lions
Club. Aldo also enjoyed golfing, regardless of weather
conditions, and his several poker clubs. Aldo lived a
full and rich life that he savored. In March of this
year, family and friends celebrated his 90th
birthday in an evening of great joy and good cheer and
naturally, a songfest.
Aldo was preceded in
death by his parents, Noona and Pop, his wife Ellie,
brother Dario, and grandson Elliott. He is survived by
his children, Kathy Hummel (Mike), Larry Icardi (Kay),
Chris Icardi (Judy), Patrice Icardi, Jeff Icardi (Helen)
and many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces and
nephews, cousins in the U.S and Italy; and his long time
friend and companion, Alma Gray. In the past two years
Aldo lived with Kathy and his son-in-law Mike Hummel who
generously provided his daily care. Aldo was well loved.
His life was a tribute to perseverance and dignity in
the face of challenges that never slowed him down. His
passing is a loss to all who knew him and we celebrate
his life and legacy.
Suggested charities in lieu of flowers:
Morning Star Charities, Inc.; BETA; or Maitland Lions
Club. Funeral arrangements by DeGusipe Funeral Home,
9001 N. Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751.
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