Vernon DeMillion – Monessen
Vernon DeMillion, 93, of Monessen, passed away peacefully from this life on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, after a gradual decline in health. He was born on July 21, 1925, to the late John and Ruth Fohner DeMillion. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph (infant), William and John “Corky” DeMillion; a sister, Beulah DeMillion Santoro Carlson; and his best friend and brother-in-law, Frank Gaudio. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Vern rode out two typhoons and maneuvered through mine fields while serving on numerous vessels. He sustained life-altering injuries and scars during the Navy battle in Leyte Gulf and was awarded the distinction of the Purple Heart for his service. He was a 73-year member of the American Legion and an active member of the Mid Mon Valley Shipmates. Vern was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Church. He worked at Corning Glass in Charleroi and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Monessen plant, until his retirement in 1987. Vern loved gardening and always shared his bounty with his neighbors and friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent time with his nephews. He was known for his willingness to help others and for his quick sense of humor. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Josephine “Jo” Yancoskie DeMillion, to whom he was married for 63 years; his beloved daughter, Laurie DeMillion-Genes and her devoted husband Robert Genes; his dear sister, Dolly Gaudio; and several loving nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 11 a.m. to noon Monday at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. & CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. Funeral services will be held Monday beginning with a noon blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 12:30 p.m. funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 44 Pennsylvania Blvd., Monessen, with Father Michael J. Crookston officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Monessen. The Mid Mon Valley Shipmates will conduct a Two-Bell Ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mon Valley EMS, 1001 Donner Ave., Monessen, PA 15062.
