DIANA
Angelo, 75, of Kearny, passed away peacefully in his home after a lengthy illness on November 12, 2015.
Born in Jersey City to Angelo and Antoinette he served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1958-1962 on the USS Altair. A proud patriotic navy man, Angelo recalled his years of military service fondly and enjoyed attending reunions with his shipmates throughout the years.
His impressive academic pursuits include earning an MBA in Industrial Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1974; a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Jersey City State College in 1971; an A.A. degree in Industrial Chemistry from Newark College of Engineering in 1965. He was also licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Fireman in Charge High Pressure Black Seal.
Over the years, Angelo worked for a series of chemical manufacturing companies as plant supervisor and general manager. These included Diamond Shamrock Nopco Chemical Divison in Harrison, Tanatex Chemical Company in Lyndhurst, Alpha Metals in Jersey City, Apex Chemical in Elizabeth, Turbo-Braze in Union, Hart Products in Jersey City and Frutarom Meer Corporation in North Bergen. He was a member of the American Chemical Society.
He landed his favorite job when he was granted the opportunity to use his advanced professional experience in public service for the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Edison. He served as a Senior Environmental Chemist since 1999 working on a team of the EPA's Senior Environmental Enforcement Program in the area of Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know (EPCRA) in process safety and enforcement. A master of his field, he participated in chemical safety audits and was recently awarded the highest medal of recognition from the EPA "for 16 years of extraordinary and loyal service as lead inspector-Community Right to Know Act".
Always a giving person and a pillar of the community, Angelo's professional expertise led to his volunteering at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City where he invested countless hours in the wonder of science for the benefit of the Center's visitors.
From 1982-1988, he served the children of Kearny as a member of the Kearny Board of Education.
A lifelong devotee of New York Giants football, Angelo was especially proud of having spent 27 years coaching the youngsters in the KURC Junior Football League. He also served as the League's secretary.
Forever enjoying the outdoors, Angelo was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. A good shot, he was passionate about hunting and served as President, Treasurer and certified shotgun instructor for the West Hudson Rifle and Pistol Club. He was on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Arms Collector Club, he was a master safety officer of the Mt. Freedom Rifle & Pistol Club, a Life Member of the North American Hunting Club and a Hunter Education Instructor for the Northern District of the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife.
An insatiable reader, Angelo consumed books on a daily basis. His favorite reading material centered on every facet of history. An enormous history buff, he enjoyed visiting the residence of his favorite U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt, at Sagamore Hill in the village of Cove Neck, New York. He also enjoyed the intellectual challenge of the television game show Jeopardy. In his spare time, he liked to tend to his garden.
Angelo was predeceased by his parents and a son, Robert Diana. He is survived by his loving wife Adele (McDonald) of 52 years, a daughter Adele Mackin and her husband Joe, a son Angelo and his wife Mary Ellen, a son Rob Smullen and his wife Diane, and daughter-in-law Linda Scorsone and her husband Charles. He is also survived by two sisters, Vera Rocha and Theresa Bostonian.
A great role model for many and respected by all, Angelo enjoyed much love from his family. He was proud of each and every one of his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were especially important and held an extra special place in his heart as he faithfully attended all of their sporting events, dance recitals, school concerts and any activity in which they participated.
He is the cherished grandfather of Angelo Diana and his fiancé Jennifer Monaghan, Noelle Diana, Kara and Janie Mackin, Madison Smullen, and Matthew, Charlie and Allison Scorsone.
Angelo Diana was a person admired and an example of a truly good man who loved many, gave much and stood on the steadfast principles of love of family, loyalty to friends and patriotic duty to country.
"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a scared heritage, for your children and your children's children." ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Visitation will be held on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at __9:30_AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lyndhurst. Internment will follow at Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to _The American Diabetes Association.
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