Bennie D. DiPalma
Bennie D. DiPalma, 85, of Cape Coral, passed away Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009. He was born Oct. 31, 1923, in Tewksbury, Mass., to Pasquale and Mary Louise Stante DiPalma.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and World War II Victory Medal.
He was a graduate of the University of Detroit.
He moved to Cape Coral in 1973 from Michigan. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council No. 7131.
He retired from Frizzell Architectural Firm as an architectural engineer. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the additions to the Lee Memorial Hospital and Naples Community Hospital.
He enjoyed golfing and deep sea fishing.
He is survived by his loving family, including his daughters, Kathryn Carol (Paul) Miner and Benita Marie (Michael) Brose, both of Cape Coral; sisters, Rose Manica of Kansas City, Kan., and Florence Fusco of Cape Coral; brother, Joseph DiPalma of Cape Coral; and grandchildren, Arielle, Zachary, Grant, Griffin, Grady, Matthew, Tyler, Nicole, Samantha, Thomas, Amanda and Maryka.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Lillian DiPalma, who passed away July 18, 2008; brothers, Michael and Anthony; and sisters, Phyllis, Anne, Angeline and Joahanne.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 1630 S.W. Pine Island Road. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Coral Ridge Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at HealthPark Hospital 6 West and Hope Hospice for the excellent care and concern shown.
Arrangements by Coral Ridge Funeral Home.