Augustine Interrante

Augustine "Gus" Interrante , 82, of Norristown passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 28, 2013, at Einstein Hospital Montgomery,Norristown, Pennsylvania. Born June 21, 1931 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late William Interrante, and loving husband of 52 years to Elaine (Paolini) Interrante. Gus lived in West Norriton since 1946. He was employed at PECO for 37 years, first as a control room operator at Barbados Island Generation Station, and later moved to the Methods and Training Department at the PECO Headquarters in Philadelphia until his retirement in 1991. Gus served 40 years and 4 months in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Reserved-193rd Special Operations Unit- from February 1951 through June 1991when he retired. His rank was Master Sergeant and he served as a Master Load Master. He flew 8,300+ Hours in the service. He served his country in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Panama Conflict, Granada Conflict, Gulf War, and many other operations. During Gus' time in the service, he received 18 decoration medals, including the prestigious Air Medal that he won twice, and the Aerial Achievement Award. He is part of the Air Force Sergeant Assoc. and was director of the Fort Dix retiree council, Vietnam Veterans of America # 349. Gus has been Vice Commander of Norristown Catholic War Vets 1184 for the last 11 years, he is a member of the American Legion 831 Parker Post, a member of Sons of Italy LAM Valley Forge 1776, a lifetime member of the Conshohocken Bocce Club, and was formerly on the West Norriton Republican Committee. He won the West Norriton Ambucs Senior Citizen of the year award in 2010, and was a devoted member of the Visitation BVM Church. Gus remained very active in all causes related to the promotion, protection, security, and honoring of all veterans. Gus was also an avid Penn State Football fan and attended all home games with his friends Bing Miller and Mike Murray. In addition to his Mother Mary (Melchiorre) Interrante and his loving wife, survivors include two sons; Augustine J. Interrante Jr., and Steven A. (Paula Scharff) Interrante. Two daughters; Maria-Elena (Joseph) Capaldi, and Valerie Interrante. Two brothers; Charles, and Fred Interrante. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Kimberly & Matthew Capaldi, and Francis, Bernadette, Veronica, Michael, Lena & Anthony Interrante. Family and friends will be received on Thursday evening, October 03, 2013 at the Caramenico Funeral Home Inc. Main & Walnut St. Norristown. PA., from 7 - 9 pm , and on Friday morning October 04, 2013 at the Visitation BVM (Upper Church), 196 N Trooper Rd Trooper Pennsylvania, from 9 - 10:45 am. Mass will follow the viewing at 11am. Burial will take place in the St. Patrick's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Vets, Chapter #25, 380 Burnside Ave. Norristown PA. 19403., and the Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219. Funeral arrangements with the Caramenico FH Inc., Main & Walnut Sts., Ntn., PA. 610-275-7777. Please visit www.caramenicofuneralhome.com for online info.