Nicholas J. DiGrosso Sr.

Nicholas J. DiGrosso Sr. 79 a thirty nine year employee of the Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission. Nick the only son of Michael and Helen DiGrosso and big brother to his three sisters; died Monday from complications from surgery. Nick first came to the commission in 1958 after serving in the Army in Korea. Having lived most of his life in Pennsauken and Merchantville, Nick attended Camden Catholic High School and Camden County Vocational School. The water commission was not a stranger to Nick's family in light of the fact that his father, Michael, worked there thirty years as a plant operator. Nick first served as a meter reader, then the service department, twenty five years in construction and the last ten years as principal plant operator. He oversaw the MPWC come full circle in modernization and treatment. When he started there were only 80 miles of water mains, when he left there were 200 miles of mains to service customers. Nick's knowledge of the mains and valves locations was called upon even after his retirement. Nick a Korean War Veteran, the current commander of American Legion Post #68 in Merchantville and a past Camden County Commander. He was tireless in his pursuit of justice for all Veterans. He was active in helping place veterans and getting them their benefits. He visited hospitals as well as collecting and aiding disabled veterans. He was a familiar sight at parades, flag raising and all veteran's affairs. Above all he was a proud American. Nick was a well-known athlete, who was scouted by the Phillies, after he hit a home run at Connie Mack stadium as a high school player one of the very few to do so. His Phillies dreams were put on hold when he met his wife Shirley and then Uncle Sam calling. He never lost the love of the game and played on local leagues well into his late 40's. He was also an avid bowler in two leagues at Ivy Lanes and Baker Lanes. A lifelong member of St. Peters Parish Nick was active in the church and its ministries. A fourth degree Knight of Columbus and was proud to be a member of its Color Guard - K of C assembly's 6735 and 1748 and a 40/8 member of Camden County Voiture. He was also active promoting Camden County at boys' state. Nick was a famous "fixer" if he could not do it himself; he had a friend that could! Never one to shy away from hard work he would pitch in and always got the job done. He really loved his work, and he thought if you were healthy you should be working. Thousands of phone calls over the years to his family would be - hey how you doing, everyone ok, working much? It became the long standing family line. Nick was predeceased by his beloved wife of 40 years Shirley nee Hoxworth, his daughter Kathy Sohanchak, and sister Roseanne Wagner. Nick is survived by his sisters Rita James Gregory, and Annette Warren Edwards, his son Nicholas Jr. Marlene, four grandchildren MichaelDot, Joey, John PaulDenise and Nicholas III, and four great grandchildren Anthony and Sophia, Angela and Alyssa. Nick is also survived by longtime companion and the light of his life these last fourteen years Dorothy Wahl. Nick considered Dot's children part of his life and family. They are Dot's daughter June Wahl-Fitzgerald, her grandchildren Kerri, Brian and Kristi and her great-grandchildren Scott, Karli, Zachary and Caden. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend his Visitation Friday 6-9:00 PM & Saturday 8:30-9:30 AM at the FUNERAL HOME OF INGLESBY & SONS, 2426 Cove Road. Pennsauken NJ 08109. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 10 AM St. Peter Church. Interment Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter Church or American Legion Post #68. Info and guestbook @ www.inglesbyfuneralhome.com

Nicholas J. DiGrosso Sr.

October 19, 1932 - March 26, 2012