Albert F. De George

SPRINGFIELD- Albert F. "Al" De George, 96, of Atherton Avenue, Springfield received his final orders and set sail for Heaven on Thursday, January 18, 2018 after faithfully serving his family and country.  Al was born in Springfield on June 12, 1921, the son of Frank A. and Mary (Petrocelli) De George, Italian immigrants. He was a lifelong Springfield resident, except for his wartime service. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Springfield Trade high School. He joined the US Navy at the onset of World War II. Al was stationed aboard the USS Sigourney, a Fletcher Class Destroyer. Al and the USS Sigourney saw heavy action in the Pacific, Philippines, Bougainville Islands and especially the Solomon Islands. On 17 November, 1943 the Destroyer and convoy was attacked by Japanese planes. Several ships were struck and received heavy damage. The Sigourney and crew spent hours rescuing survivors while they were under constant air attack. For the actions of the USS Sigourney and crew they received the U.S. Presidential Unit citation. They participated in the battle of Bougainville, the Palau Islands, Truk Island and the battle of Leyte Gulf. During the time in these areas, the group was under constant enemy air attack. Al received the U.S Presidential Unit Citation, Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic Pacific Campaign with 9 Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Battle Stars, the WW II Victory medal, Surface Warfare Badge and the Combat Service Medal. Al returned home to Springfield and began a long career in transportation. He owned and operated Athol-Springfield Dispatch, Intercity Express and later A.F. De George Transportation of Springfield. He also worked for many years as the Terminal Manager for Eldorado Trucking and was employed with Wilson and Strickland Transportation.. He retired from Springfield Wholesale Florist Supply after 20 years of service with them and over 50 years as a Teamster combined. He was a member of the Teamster Local 404, the American Truck Historical Society, the Elks Lodge # 61-Life member, the Veterans of Foreign Wars-Life member. He was especially proud of his lifetime membership with the USS Sigourney Association and the Tin Can Sailors Destroyers Veterans Association. Al's beloved wife, Mary R. (Angelillo) De George passed away on May 19, 2013.His siblings; Charles De George, Stella LeClerc and Helen McGettrick predeceased him. He leaves his son; Frank A. De George of Springfield and daughter, Linda Wellette and her husband David of Parrish, Florida. His very loyal and dedicated grandson; Frank De George Jr. and his wife Collen of Feeding Hills and three great granddaughters; Taylor and Emily De George and Molly Ivers as well as several nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Hall East, A-Wing for the care compassion and dignity they show Al over the past 5 ½ years and a very special "Thank You" to Al's niece, Beverly De George, for dedicating herself to his care and the love she showed him for the past 3 years.  Calling hours for Al will be on Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway St., Chicopee.  Funeral Services will be Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. from Tylunas Funeral Home with a Liturgy of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. at Mary Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd., Springfield.  Rites of Committal with full Military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam immediately following the Mass. Al asked that donations in his name be made to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial or the Disabled American Veterans.