Arthur Mario Dalessandro, September 14, 1917 – January 11, 2009, was born to Emidio and Chiarina in Detroit, Michigan. In November 1939, he married Clara Mizzoni. They welcomed their first daughter Kerran in l942, shortly before he was sent to fight in World War II. While in a foxhole on the island of Leyte, Philippines, Arthur was wounded by a grenade. His story of the night he was wounded and his recovery was one of courage and angels. Arthur was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for courage shown in battle. He was a proud veteran and would willingly share his story of the angels who were by his side in times of doubt. Arthur never lost sight of those angels, and believed they followed him through his life. Upon returning from the war, he joined his father in a cement contracting business. In 1947 second daughter Audrey was born. The family moved out west and settled in Phoenix in l952. They attended Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help now known as the Old Adobe Mission Church in Scottsdale and were founding members of St. Theresa Parish. After retiring from AirResearch, Art could often be found spending time in his garden of fruit and nut trees, and was known for his abundant basil, tomato and vegetable plants. He finally had time to cultivate his love of gardening. After losing Clara to cancer, Arthur married Alice Edelen. They had a very loving, happy 24 years together and enjoyed many hobbies such as dancing, crafting and spending time at their cabin in Strawberry or traveling to Rocky Point, Mexico with Arthur’s sister Ada and her family. Our beloved Papa has instilled in us a strong sense of family pride, a love of gardening and nature and a wonderful example of how a faith-filled life should be lived. Arthur is survived by his wife Alice, daughters Kerran Jim Pettit and Audrey Watkins; grandsons Steven Vicki Pettit, Mark April Pettit, Bryan Heather Watkins and his granddaughter Paula Watkins; great-grandchildren Melody, Megan, Emily, Gabrielle #2, Julie #1, and Josh; sister Ada Del Duca and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass January 16, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 10755 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, followed by a military burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 North 48th Street, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, 85014 are appreciated by the family. We love you Papa and we thank you for all you have given us.
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