ANTHONY V. DIGASPARI

Anthony V. Digaspari, 94, of Canastota, NY, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at the Francis House in Syracuse following a recent cancer diagnosis. Known to his family and friends as “Diggy,” he was born on February 25, 1927 to Giacomo “John” and Genevieve (Greci) Digaspari in Canastota. In addition to attending the Canastota Central School District, Diggy worked full-time on his family’s muck farm. A member of the Canastota High School football team beginning his sophomore year, he would ultimately serve as team captain before departing school as a member of the graduating class of 1945. According to his high school yearbook, Diggy’s aspirations were to become a truck driver—a goal he would soon fulfill. He was a dedicated member of the Teamsters Union and is believed to be the first person to drive tandem trailers on the New York State Thruway. Upon his retirement in 1984, he had logged over 4 million miles on the road. Diggy married Elizabeth Sicilia on September 27, 1947, and they would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary next month. Together they raised four children— John (Sue) Digaspari, Thomas (Karen) Digaspari, Deborah (Rick) Warner, and Mary (Todd) Rouse— from their longtime home on Lamb Ave. in Canastota. An avid golfer, Diggy was a charter member of the Kanon Valley Country Club in Oneida, NY, as well as a member of the Casolwood Golf Course in Canastota. In the wake of his retirement, he and Elizabeth moved to Zephyrhills, Florida. Fittingly, their backyard also served as the sixth hole green of the Southport Springs Golf & Country Club. In addition to his passion for golf, Diggy was a fervent supporter of the New York Yankees, which made it even sweeter when he got to travel to Yankee Stadium with Elizabeth to witness his close friend Carmen Basilio defeat Sugar Ray Robinson for the middleweight boxing championship. As an Indy Car and NASCAR fan, he also enjoyed traveling to several race tracks with his co-workers and family. However, his greatest joy in retirement was spending his summers at the family lake house on Oneida Lake, enjoying the breathtaking sunsets and Sunday family gatherings he and Elizabeth would host. Along with his wife and children, Diggy is survived by his eight grandchildren—darrell Moochler, Carol (Danny Volkman) Rader, Jennifer (Lee Berube) Warner, Pam (Pete) Jansen, Carrie (Chad) Hodkinson, Renee (Joe) Todora, Anthony “Mick” (Cristen) Rouse, and Jonathan Rouse—and six great grandchildren—abigail and Luke Jansen, Rileyand Emily Hodkinson, and Alexandria and Nico Todora. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers James, Earnest, and Vincent. In keeping with his wishes, no public calling hours will be held, with the family planning to hold a celebration of life at St. Agatha’s Church in Canastota at a later date. Remains will be buried at the family plot in St. Agatha’s Cemetery.to honor Diggy’s memory, friends may make a donation to the Francis House at 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208 or the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service at P.O. Box 382, Canastota, NY 13032. To send an online greeting go to:www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com