Denigris, Edward M.

Fishersville, Va- Our father Edward Matthew DeNigris, March 20, 1926-May 24, 2021, passed on to eternal peace joining his beloved wife Aris of 72 years who predeceased him five weeks earlier. Born on Orange Street in 1926, he resided in Albany NY his entire life, Pop was the proud son of Italian immigrant parents. He was predeceased by his father Michael DeNigris and mother Josephine Lupo DeNigris, his brothers Anthony and Rocco DeNigris, sisters Benedetta DeNigris Cozzolino, Anna DeNigris McCredie, Jospehine DeNigris Rosselli and Rita DeNigris. He is survived by his sons, Edward, a successful entrepreneur; Stephen whom he was extremely proud of as a police officer and then attorney, and his son Cary, who is an accomplished world jazz guitarist who played the guitar for him and who serenaded him for many hours while he recovered from hip surgery; his granddaughters Staci DeNigris Shea and Natalie DeNigris; grandsons Edward and Michael DeNigris; great-granddaughters Lily Rose and Madeline Shea, and many nieces and nephews. Pop served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and enlisted when he was just 17-years old. He served in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Golden City and often spoke of how proud he was to have served his country. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Medal; the American Theatre Medal; the Victory Medal; the Philippines Liberation Ribbon and Letter of Commendation. Pop was at the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Manila as part of General McArthur’s Island hoping campaign when Kamikaze pilots tried to destroy American ships. He piloted the LCVPs during amphibious landings. Pop also participated in landing troops to secure the Japanese escape route from Manila to the Bataan peninsula. He was at Okinawa transporting troops out of the forward areas. He was on Saipan when the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Pop was a highly respected professional. He was a graduate of Siena College. He started in the banking business at Home Savings Bank, spent a number of years at the National Commercial Bank and Trust Company and retired as an assistant vice-president of City and County Savings Bank in 1985. He operated EDeN Gallery Antiques along with his wife. Both became successful estate appraisers in their business and were relied upon by law firms in the Albany area for complete, accurate and detailed appraisals. He loved participating in family functions, enjoyed listening to his favorite Italian songs, and traveling. He was particularly enthusiastic about touring Italy twice with Aris and niece Kathleen who introduced him to his Italian relatives while visiting his mother’s hometown, Castelvetere in Valfortore. While our father always acted like a regular guy, he was a superstar and was a hero and mentor to his sons and countless people in his life. He was a kind and gentle man who was loved and liked by many people. His sons Stephen and Cary were able to see him on May 11, 2021, for one last time in Fishersville, Va. He passed away too far from the family that loved him. Stephen and Cary were able to tell him that they loved him and he told them how proud he was that they were his sons. And as his sons left him, knowing that they would never see him again in this world, Pop said: “Now remember, if you have any problems with anything at all, you come see me first. I’m always here for you.” Thank you Pop we were always proud to be your sons. Rest in peace, you earned your rest sailor. Burial Services for both Edward and Aris will take place on August 13, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.