Patsy Destino

Patsy E. Destino, age 84 of Lewiston NY, died Sunday December 8, 2013 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. Patsy was born December 29, 1928 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Louis and Maria (Julian) Destino. He was a 1947 graduate of Niagara Falls High School where he excelled in and played all sports. Patsy was an U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. He served from January of 1951 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant First Class in December of 1952. He served with Company K, 5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Patsy was the recipient of Distinguished Unit Citation, the Korean Service Ribbon with 3 battle stars, and a Purple Heart for wounds received in action on October 6, 1951. He married Betty Lou Weis on October 6, 1956 and they have lived in Lewiston since 1969. Patsy was a member of and worked out of Plasterer's Local # 9 in Buffalo. For 191/2 years he was a Millwright at Niagara University, retiring in 1994. Patsy was inducted into the Niagara Falls Old Timer's Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and a recipient of the Fabulous 40's award. He was a communicant of St. Peter's RC Church in Lewiston; a life member of VFW Lake Ontario Post #313 in Youngstown; and active in the Lewiston Senior Citizens. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou; his sons, Louis (Deborah) Destino of Zachary, LA, Thomas (Charlotte) Destino of Weaverville, NC; and Patrick (Elaine) Destino of Avondale, AZ; his grandchildren, Alex, Anna Grace, Max, Christina, and Jenna Destino; his step grandchildren, Sonny and Jonathan; two sisters, Rose Figurilli and Sue Salimbene; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Mary Mastromatteo, Katherine Grizanti, and Antonette Rizzo; and five brothers, Alex, Nunzio, James, Louis, and Joseph Destino. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Thursday from 4 - 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, at 10:30 AM in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Entombment with Military Honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery Mausoleum, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Ambulance Fund, 145 N. 6th St. P.O. Box 748, Lewiston, NY 14092.