John Albert Disibbio

Bluefield, WV - John (Giovanni) Albert Disibbio, 97, peacefully departed our world into the loving arms of the Lord on Friday, August 24, 2012, surrounded with the company and comfort of his children. Born on December 31st, 1914, in Bluefield, WV, he was a retired Locomotive Engineer with Norfolk and Western (now Norfolk and Southern) Railroad to which he dedicated 42 years of service. Known affectionately as "The Godfather," John lived almost his entire life in Bluefield, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicola and Ethel Peck Disibbio; sisters Maria Genovesi and Evelena Phillipee; brothers Thomasina Disibbio and Luigi Disibbio; and his beautiful wife of 51 years, Ovelia. Since his retirement, John had been a fixture at Bluefield High School football games and Retired Norfolk and Western Railroad Employees Club retirement dinners. He was an active member of the Fratelli Tricolore Lodge number 2631 of the Order of Sons of Italy in America, and a member of The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He enjoyed playing cards every week and could play a variety of instruments, most notably the harmonica. He loved country music, and above all, he cherished spending time with his family. He is survived by his sister Betty Akers of Rocky Gap, VA. His four children; Nancy Lee and her husband Kenneth Pruett of Bluefield, WV; John Thomas Disibbio and his wife Iris of Sugar Grove, VA; Ben Gerald Disibbio and his wife Karen of Bluefield, WV; and Richard Dallas Disibbio and his wife Kathy of Dublin, VA. His 10 grandchildren; Kimberly Farmer, Kimberly Disibbio, Kenneth Pruett, Christopher Disibbio, Jeffery Disibbio, Nicole Marsh, Hope Woolwlne, Jay Disibbio, Keith Pruett and Richard Disibbio, Jr. Additionally, he was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren. "Uncle Johnny" also had special nieces for whom he cared deeply; Valerie Hager, Angelina Genovesi Barbara Custalow, Susan Sizemore, Kathy Howard and Debbie Davis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday August 28, 2012 At Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Paul J. Wharton as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Princeton where Grandsons and Granddaughters will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home Monday August 27, 2012 from 6:00 - 7:45 p.m., at which time a Christian Wake Service will be held. The family suggests that memorial contributions, if desired, be made to Amedisys Hospice Care of Bluefield, Rt. 2 Box 182, Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Disibbio family.

John Albert Disibbio

December 31, 1914 - August 24, 2012