Alfred Demizio

Colonie- Alfred F. DeMizio, 79, of Colonie passed away on Wednesday August 15, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Albany and was the son of the late Francis and Diamond DeMizio.
Al was a Korean War Veteran having honorable served in the United States Army from 1946-1947 and in the Air Force from 1951-1955.

During Al's employment with the VA Hospital as a carpenter, he was his Post's unofficial good will ambassador. He visited patients to ensure they had everything they needed, including a friendly visit and coupons for the hospital's canteen.

Al was a very active member of The American Legion and served with distinction for 53 years. He was an "old school" legionnaire and believed that success only comes with hard work and by seizing all opportunities. He was Commander of the Joseph E. Zaloga Post from 1964-1967.

At the time of his death, he served The American Legion in many capacities. He was chairman of the Posts Membership program, Bingo, Compliance and Bell Jar. He was Treasurer of the County Legion organization and at the State level he was vice-chairman of the Membership Committee. He was a delegate to 37 State Conventions and 5 National Conventions. He was editor of the Post Newsletter for the last 13 years, and he distributed hundreds of Blue Star Banners to families who had active duty servicemen and women. He chaired or co-chaired 2 American Legion State Bowling Tournaments. At the National level of the Legion, Al served on the Distinguished Guest Committee.

Al was very dedicated to our troops serving overseas. During the 1st Gulf War he helped raise money for Operation MustardSeed and for the current war he raised over $7,000.00 to help his Post's "support our troops" program through the sale of yellow ribbons.

In addition, Al chaired Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners at the VA Hospital for well over 20 years for all the ambulatory patients helping ensure that those veterans had a good holiday.

For his efforts and dedication he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 1971 even though his greatest contributions came the decades that followed. In recognition for those efforts he was named The American Legion's Legionnaire of the year in 2005 for the State of New York.

Al was a devoted to his family and to the American Legion. Often times he mingled them together to the point that the line of distinction was blurred beyond recognition. His efforts will inspire those who follow forever.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann DiToro DeMizio; his children, Michael F. De Mizio, Kevin A. (Karen) DeMizio, and Christine M. (Tony) Geer. He is the brother of Ardenia Simmons, Jean Kohler and Lucy (Joseph) Pizzemento. Grandfather of Jennifer N. and Nicholas A. DeMizio and Ryan F. Geer. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funerals services will be Monday morning at 8:00 at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave) then to Historic St. Mary's Church on Capital Hill at 9:00 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 to 6 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Memorial contributions may be made to Support the Troops, c/o Jos. E. Zaloga Post #1520., 4 Everett Rd. Albany NY 12205 in memory of Alfred F. DeMizio. To leave a special message for the family online, visit, Newcomerfamily.com