Johnnie Pete Daro
1922-2015
Johnnie Pete Daro of League City passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Webster, Texas at the age of 93. He was born on March 14, 1922 in League City, Texas to Pete and Carolina Daro. Johnnie was a vegetable farmer in League City his entire life and was the last of the originally settled vegetable farmers in Galveston County. He was known as the “Cantaloupe Man”. During World War II from 1942 to 1945, Johnnie served in the 5th Army 349th Infantry 88th Division under General Mark Clark. Being very fluent in the Italian Language, he interpreted for General Clark and the Lieutenant Colonel.
His tour included Casa Blanca, Africa, Algeria and Italy. He received five battle stars for combat on the Gothic Line, Gustav Line, Rome-Arno Line, PO Valley Line and North of Apennine Line. Two of his three years of service were spent in combat. He marched in combat from Naples, Italy to Brenner Pass into Austria where the war ended.
Johnnie was a member of VFW, American Legion and Saint Mary Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Rufine Ubanoski Daro, parents Pete and Carolina Daro, and brother-in-law Don Palermo.
He is survived by his sisters Catherine Daro Palermo and Margaret Daro Bilotta (George); nieces and nephews Franklin Palermo (Lois), Diane Palermo Mock, Steven Palermo (Lisa), Laura Bilotta Sanchez (Steve), Karen Bilotta Finke (Mike), Linda Bilotta Liechty (Tom); and many loving great-nieces and great-nephews, family and friends.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 5:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, Texas. Mass will follow on Thursday, November 12, 10 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Howard Drabek officiating. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers are Franklin Palermo, Steven Palermo, Steve Sanchez, Mike Finke, Tom Leichty and Chad Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers are Scott Palermo, Anthony Mock and Cody Sanchez.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Mary Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, TX 77573.