Louis Dattilio

Louis Dattilio, 97 formerly of Division Avenue in Hagerstown, MD., died Friday Sept. 18, 2015 at Ravenwood Nursing Care Center in Hagerstown.Born Aug. 21, 1918, in Hagerstown, he was the eldest son of the late Nicola and Rose (Prospero) Dattilio.He was the husband of 64 years to the late Geneva Jean (DiFabbio) Dattilio of Hagerstown.After attending Smithsburg High School, he enlisted on his birthday in August of 1941 in the US. Navy. Trained as a bombardier, he served during WWII protecting from the air, the Atlantic coast line of the U.S. against submarine naval attacks. After WWII, he continued to serve another 8 years honorably in the U.S. Naval Reserve until his discharge, late in 1954.Louis worked over 20 years for the North American Cement Plant, in Security, MD. , the same facility from which his father had worked and retired. He later worked another 20 years at Mack Trucks in Hagerstown, and retired from there in 1986.Louis was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hagerstown and was a proud member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion, V.F.W, and D.A.V.Louis, along with his wife Geneva, enjoyed gardening immensely. A labor of love, he made sure that his family, relatives, friends and neighbors enjoyed the fruits of his “Italian vegetable garden” in particular, his extremely large peppers and tomatoes.Being an avid sports fan, he followed his beloved Baltimore Orioles and Colts each and every year. More importantly, Louis, was a proud father and dedicated fan of his 4 children. He made every possible effort to be present and attend the multitude of athletic events and activities of his children and grandchildren, from which he received great pride and joy.Louis is survived by 1 daughter, Victoria Vernon, and 3 sons and daughter in laws, Michael and Susan, Patrick and Valinda, and Christopher and Robin Dattilio, all of Hagerstown; eight grandchildren, Erica Horton, Lindsay Richmond, Matthew, Patrick C., Mark, and Alex Dattilio, all of Hagerstown, John Vernon of Richmond, VA and Keely McClain of Baltimore; plus nine great grandchildren.He is further survived by 1 sister, Grace Amendolara of Glen Cove, NY; 3 brothers and 5 sister in laws Joseph and Charlotte, Carmon and Betty, and Nataline Dattilio all of Hagerstown, Paul M. and Connie Dattilio of Hanover, PA and Jayne Dattilio of Westminster, MD.Besides his wife Geneva, Louis was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Mary Heltzel, Fanny Dattilio; and 3 brothers, John, Dominic, and Tony Dattilio; son in law G. Frank Vernon Jr.; brother in laws Paul Heltzel and Joseph Amendolara; and sister in law Genevieve Dattilio.The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Monsignor J. Bruce Jarboe on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1525 Oak Hill Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742 with interment at Rest Haven Cemetery in Hagerstown.The family will receive friends Monday, September 21, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rest Haven Funeral Chapel, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Doey’s House, Hospice of Washington Co. Inc., 747 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742.