In Memoriam Of Aldo Icardi
Aldo Lorenzo Icardi passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, in Birmingham, AL with family at his side. Aldo was born March 1, 1921, in Pittsburgh, PA to Giovane and Agnese Icardi. Aldo was fond of noting he was conceived in Italy but born in America after his parents arrived on the boat. He grew up in the Mt Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh, attended South Hills High School and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. and Pitt’s Law School. Aldo married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor Thompson, on September 11, 1943.
During WWII Aldo served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), and parachuted behind enemy lines in Northern Italy in September 1944 where he provided intelligence and support to the Italian Partisans until the liberation of Europe in 1945. Aldo served his country honorably and depicted his experiences in his book, “American Master Spy”. His service was respected and honored by fellow soldiers, Italian partisan groups and even German POWs whose lives he protected. He was awarded the Legion of Merit by the U.S. government and the Silver Medal, the second highest military honor, by the Italian government. After the war Aldo and Ellie lived in Lima, Peru where Aldo studied and received a second law degree in International law.
In 1954, Aldo and Ellie moved to McMurray, PA where they raised their five children. Aldo worked at the Italian Sons & Daughters of America (ISDA) for many years and was active in the Washington County Democratic Party. In 1969 he moved his family to Maitland, FL where he lived until recently. Aldo was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1972 and he practiced law until he was 80 years old. For much of his legal career he partnered with children Patrice and Jeff.
Aldo had a zest and exuberance that spilled into all aspects of his life. At any party where Aldo could take the stage, a songfest followed with a required rendition of the old Italian song, Santa Lucia, and a Pitt Fight Song medley. Aldo’s long life of community service included support for BETA, Morning Star Charities, the Central Florida Council of International Visitors, the USO and the Maitland Lions Club. Aldo also enjoyed golfing, regardless of weather conditions, and his several poker clubs. Aldo lived a full and rich life that he savored. In March of this year, family and friends celebrated his 90th birthday in an evening of great joy and good cheer and naturally, a songfest.
Aldo was preceded in death by his parents, Noona and Pop, his wife Ellie, brother Dario, and grandson Elliott. He is survived by his children, Kathy Hummel (Mike), Larry Icardi (Kay), Chris Icardi (Judy), Patrice Icardi, Jeff Icardi (Helen) and many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins in the U.S and Italy; and his long time friend and companion, Alma Gray. In the past two years Aldo lived with Kathy and his son-in-law Mike Hummel who generously provided his daily care. Aldo was well loved. His life was a tribute to perseverance and dignity in the face of challenges that never slowed him down. His passing is a loss to all who knew him and we celebrate his life and legacy.