Balbo Di Nicola

Balbo Di Nicola, 80, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25. His wife Clara preceded him in death in 2008. Balbo was born on July 21, 1933 in Carrito, Abruzzo, Italy to Camillo Di Nicola and Lauda Iacobacci. As the son of a naturalized American citizen, it was Balbo's wish to live in the United States. He first settled in the United States in 1952. He traveled to and from Italy several times and in March 1974 he moved his family to the United States, settling in Deming, N.M. Balbo was most proud of his family's assistance to the English and American paratroopers during World War II. As a 9-year old child, Balbo would sneak food past German occupying troops to paratroopers hiding in caves in the mountains near the small town where he lived. His father would help them evade capture by leading them through the mountains back to safety. After the war, both the English and American governments formally recognized their achievements. Balbo is survived by his five children: Marina Di Nicola Leusing, Luisa Di Nicola, Robert Di Nicola, Christina Di Nicola Sexton, and Adam Di Nicola. He is also survived by his two sons-in-law, Kevin Leusing and David Sexton, and five grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18th, at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, TX, 75074. 972-424-4511.