Paul Ralph D'Onofrio

Paul was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 21, 1928. He was the only son of Paul P. and Theresa Leverone D'Onofrio. Growing up in Watertown, Paul finished High School in 1946 and graduated from Boston College in 1951 after which he entered the US Navy and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in June, 1953. He served until 1967 and was Honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander. Paul married Catherine Frances Diliberto in 1955 and raised six children while flying as an American Airlines Captain from 1955 until 1987. In 1991, Paul and Catherine moved from Cohasset, MA to Punta Gorda, FL. Paul was a member of the Top Gun Model Airplane Club as well as the Cape Coral RC SeaHawks where he won numerous prizes including Best Scale Builder in 1996 and Engineering Excellence at Top Gun in 2002. Paul was also an active volunteer at the Life Care Center of Punta Gorda as well as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for many years. Paul died peacefully in his home on the day of his wedding anniversary, February 22nd, at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his wife in 2007 and is survived by his six children and 15 grandchildren. Paul's youngest son, Father Joseph D'Onofrio, will offer Dad's Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 3rd, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 West Charlotte Ave, Punta Gorda, at 11 AM. Inurnment to follow at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery, Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.