Socrates D. Semproni, World War II Veteran, Dies at 86

Socrates D. Semproni, 86, of Sandy Hook, passed away at Danbury Hospital on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.

Socrates was better known as “Blondie” to everyone who knew him. He was born on Aug. 14, 1926, in Mt. Kisco, NY, where he resided for more than 70 years before locating closer to his family in Sandy Hook.

He is survived by Yolanda, his loving wife of 57 years, three children, their spouses, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Blondie was an operating engineer of Union Local 137 in Westchester, NY, for more than 40 years. He was proud to be a part of the construction crew of many well-known and heavily travelled roads, tunnels, bridges, and parking garages in the tri-state area.

He was known as “one of the best crane operators in the industry,” as stated by many of his peers and protégés who often sought him out for his knowledge and expertise in the operation of heavy equipment.

A World War II veteran, he served four years in the Navy upon the USS Bridge. He was an active member of The American Legion and served 65 years as a volunteer firefighter in the Hook and Ladder Fire Company of Mt. Kisco, NY.

Blondie will always be remembered as a loving husband and father, the friendly neighborhood handyman, and a great golfer. He will be missed for his gentle kindness, patience, love of food, holiday traditions and good friendship to many.

Visitation took place Wednesday at Cassidy Flynn Funeral Home in Mt. Kisco, NY. Services were held Thursday at the funeral home; burial with full military honors followed at St. Francis Cemetery, Lexington Ave., Mt. Kisco, NY.

The famlily sends its many thanks to the EMTs of Newtown and Sandy Hook, and to the medical team at Danbury Hospital.