DIVALENTINO, Charles Edward

Black's Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona Charles E. Divalentino (June 22, 1919 - February 6, 2010) Charles Edward DiValentino, World War II veteran and long time resident of Show Low, died in Vernon on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at age 90. Charlie was born June 22, 1919 in Cama, Switzerland. In 1932 his mother Marie Margarita married Enrico DiValentino an American Army bandsman. The family settled in Washington D.C. where Charlie attended public schools. Charlie and his stepfather both served in the Army during WWII. His brother, Leo, born in 1933 and too young to enlist, remained at home with his mother. During basic training the Army discovered that Charlie was not a U.S. citizen so he was taken to the courthouse in Las Cruces, New Mexico and sworn in. At the conclusion of the swearing in, the judge told the new citizens, “Now go fight the war.” Charlie served in the Army Air Corps and rose to the rank of Corporal while serving in the Pacific. At war’s end Charlie returned to civilian life and found federal government work in the nation’s capitol. Through work he met and married Alice and one son, Richard, was born about 1949. Upon his wife’s death a few years later Charlie and son moved to Arizona so Richard could be near his Native American roots. In Show Low, Charlie became very active in Post 9907 of the local VFW and held several key positions. Charlie is survived by his brother Leo, daughter in law Arlene, grandchildren and great grandchildren, survive him. His mother and stepfather, Alice, his wife, and son Richard preceded him in death. Visitation will be Thursday, February 11 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Black’s Mortuary, Show Low. Memorial service and interment will be Friday, February 12 [2010].