Joseph Anthony Daino

Joseph A. Daino, age 89, of Randleman, NC died December 23, 2010. He is survived by his wife: Anne Lyman Daino; step children, Mildred lamson and C.R. Evans; step grandchildren, Melissa Parkovics and Laura Hoffman; thirteen nieces and nephews including Anthony J. Cipriano, Harry Daino, A, Michael Daino, Ralph Daino and Joann Kulesza; brother, Andrew Daino; sisters, Nancy and Grace. Joseph was the first generation American born son of Sicilian immigrants, the late Theresa (Zafarana) and Anthony Daino of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Theresa arrived at Ellis Island on October 1, 1900 from Polizzi Generosa, Sicily-formerly Basiliopoulis ( "City of Kings" an ancient Greek colony pre-dating Rome). Joseph would proudly recount the family story, passed on by his grandmother of how, in 1234, Polizzi was liberated by Frederick, II, the Norman Hohenstaufen king known as "Stupor Mundi", wonder of the world. Frederic II bestowed the name "Generosa" to the city in recognition of its support. Joseph's grandfather Vincent Zafarana, a decorated Sicilian war veteran was part of the musical complement heralding Papal visits to Palermo. Joseph followed in the footsteps of his grandfather enlisting in the army one month after Pearl Habor in 1942. Joseph and his five brothers were the subject of a hometown news story featuring the Daino's service during WWII. Brother Frank, of NC served with General Eisenhower and a few dozen cartographers mapping the Normandy invasion of Europe. Brother Raymond enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, Monday, December 8, 1941 serving on the cruiser U.S.S. Vincennes surviving its sinking at the Battle of the Solomon Islands. Highly decorated brother Eugene Daino, served with Macarthur's American division liberation of the Phillipines earning a Bronze star. Joseph served with General Patton's 11 armored "Thunderbolt" division narrowly missing certain death when a Nazis "88" artillery shell landed a few yards away-failing to explode- signaling the commencement of the "Battle of the Bulge". Brothers Andrew and James served in the Navy in the Atlantic Theatre. Miraculously, all six survived the war. After decades of service as head groundskeeper at Rutgers University, Joseph retired to Randleman continuing his passion with a small truck farm donation much of his surplus crop to neighboring, retirees and serving on Meals On Wheels. A neighbor and legendary race car driver, Richard Petty, welcomed Joseph's friendship and keen landscaping talents. Internment will be in the Daino Family Plot, at St. Peter's Cemetery in New Brunswick, New Jersey.