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SNJ 6/21 & 6/22 HM Dominic C. DeGrado (US Army Veteran)
6/21
Rally: Gardner Funeral Home 126 S. Black Horse Pike Runnemede
Rally Time: 1830
Flag Line: 1845
6/22
Rally: Gardner Funeral Home 126 S. Black Horse Pike Runnemede
Rally Time: 0830
Flag Line:0845
********Escort following services*********
Dominic Charles DeGrado, on June 15, 2023, of Bellmawr, age 74.
Beloved father of Terry Gonock (Ken), Karen DeGrado, Nick DeGrado (Jen). Loving grandfather of Chaz. Beloved brother of Gloria Cline (the late Earl), Tony Torrey (Darlene), Bob Torrey (Marge), Jim Torrey( Jason Sharp) and the late Thelma Cinkowski (Joe) and the late Michael Torrey. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. And of course his loyal companions and best friends, service dog Tammy and his lap warmer Valentino.
Dominic, born October 8, 1948 in Bridgeport, PA to Augustus DeGrado and Anna Petraline, raised by his mother and Warren Torrey, whom he called dad. He grew up in North Camden until the age of 12 then moving to Woodbury NJ, was a graduate of Clearview Regional High School class of 1966.
He was drafted into the US Army in 1968 and served two years, including a tour to Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, where he rose to the rank of Sergent. Dominic's decorated military career concluded with a Combat Infantryman Badge, Two Bronze Stars, The Purple Heart, Air Medal and Vietnam Service & Campaign Medals. He also served in the Army National Guards 1st 114 Infantry Unit out of Woodbury, NJ and 1st 117 Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company out of Bordentown NJ. While serving in the 1st 117, he was deployed for overseas duty in Germany to work in direct support of the army units in Saudi Arabia.
Dominic worked for the borough of Bellmawr for 23 years with the recreation and water department. He worked in Evacuation & Transportation Office and was also a Deputy Coordinator with the Bellmawr Emergency Team. Also, serving as a volunteer fireman with Bellmawr Fire and Rescue Squad #1 and a life member and past Commander of the VFW Post 7410.
His greatest hobby was model railroading where he would spend countless hours a day into the night working on his platforms which would take many months to complete. He also enjoyed going into schools with Tammy and talking with students about the Vietnam War and his tour of duty. As a diehard Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, you would always find him in his chair watching the games. He also enjoyed traveling, always opting to drive instead of flying. That way he could enjoy the journey while listening to his country music on the radio. But most of all, his greatest love was his family.
There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm Wednesday evening and Thursday morning 9 to 10am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Service 10am Thursday at the funeral home. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery Berlin, NJ.
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Tony Meade AKA Tbone
SNJ. State Coordinator
tbonewwrnj@aol. com
(856)498-3555
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