JOHN D'ASCENZO

1943 - 2017

On August 12th, John D'Ascenzo was enjoying his regular Saturday morning round of golf when he unexpectedly passed away. His beloved family takes comfort in knowing that "D" was happily doing what he loved when he left this world. John was born in 1943 in Norristown, Pennsylvania to Samuel and Isabel (Carbo) D'Ascenzo. He attended Bishop Kenrick High School and Villanova University before joining the U.S. Army in 1965. While stationed in Key West as an Air Defense Artillery Battery Commander, D met the love of his life, Cille, and they began a beautiful and happy life together that lasted almost fifty years. John served with honor in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. Upon his return, D and Cille were married in 1969 and began their life together in El Paso, Texas. D transitioned from active duty to the reserves in 1972 and retired with the rank of Major and many commendations. Their son, David, joined the family in 1971, followed by daughter, Danielle, in 1973. D completed his bachelor and master's degrees at UTEP and began to work as a Certified Public Accountant and future Comptroller of Gorman Engineering. Free time found him either coaching or refereeing soccer or golfing. In 1992, John began his own CPA practice and distinguished himself with his unparalleled dedication and personal attention to his clients. David married Emily Groth in 1993, and D welcomed granddaughter Kara in 2000 and grandson Dominic in 2004. D was incredibly proud of both his children, and also was the proudest grandpa in the world. In addition to golf and soccer, D loved photography, Miner basketball, fine wine and beer, reading, puzzles, music, and spending time with family and friends. Commencing in 1998 with a family trip to "the home country" of Italy, D and Cille began travelling the world, often accompanied by lifelong friends Sue and Gary Dahl. D volunteered his time to many local organizations, including Texas Master Naturalists, where he and Cille served as stewards of the beautiful desert southwest. Memorial Service will be at Hillcrest Funeral Home West on Thursday, August 24th; from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Graveside Service will be at the West Shelter of Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Road, on Friday, August 25th, at 11:00 a.m. with procession leaving funeral home at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Frontera Land Alliance, a local non-profit organization, whose mission is to protect the land of the Chihuahuan Desert for future generations. Please add a note that your tax-deductible donation is "In memory of John D'Ascenzo."