Joseph M. Disegni of East Quogue died at Peconic Bay Medical Center on January 20. He was 89.
Mr. Disegni enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 7, 1941. He served on the USS O’Bannon for four years in the South Pacific. He earned 17 battle stars while serving on the O’Bannon, which was one of the ships that escorted the Battleship Missouri into Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Armistice. He was later called back to duty and served on the USS Henley during the Korean conflict.
After he was discharged from the military, he was an employee of the United States Postal Service, at first in New York City and then, after being transferred, at the Riverhead Post Office. He concluded his career at the Hampton Bays Post Office, where he had worked for many years. He was an active member of the East Quogue Fire Department for 26 years. He was also a member of Quogue VFW Post 5350.
Mr. Disegni was an avid fisherman and owned a commercial charter boat, “The Wanderer,” which became his nickname. Survivors said he was a real patriot, loved his flag and country and cherished his camaraderie with fire department and VFW members.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Capozzola and husband Gregory of Eastport; a brother, George and wife Corinne of New Jersey; and four nieces, Claudia, Darrian, Andrea and Patricia. He was predeceased by son, Joseph Jr. in 1994; and his wife, Henrietta, in 2011.
A firematic service was held by the East Quogue Fire Department on January 23. A funeral Mass was said at the Church of St. Rosalie on January 25. Burial took place at Oakwood Cemetery in East Quogue.
Memorial donations can be made to the East Quogue Fire Department, 465 Montauk Highway, East Quogue, NY 11942, or to the Quogue VFW Post 5305, 125 Montauk Highway, Quogue, NY 11959.