Hercules C. Diorio

1922 - 2016

Hercules Charles Diorio, "Herk" passed away April 5 at his residence in Newtown, CT. Herk was born in 1922 in Olean, NY to Antoinette and Joseph Diorio. Herk graduated from Salamanca High School, Salamanca, NY where he excelled in basketball and golf. After high school he enlisted in the Army where he served with the 103rd Automatic Anti-Aircraft Weapons Battalion attached to the 1st Infantry Division. His unit landed in Normandy and fought in 5 major campaigns in the European Theater of Operations. After the war he attended Rider College in Trenton, NJ on the GI Bill. After graduation he worked for Clark Brothers in Olean, NY and then began a successful 35 year career at Combustion Engineering based in Windsor, CT. He and his lovely wife Elaine (Kossuth) Diorio lived in Simsbury, CT for almost 40 years before relocating to Newtown, CT in 2002 ¿ to be closer to his son, Gregory, and his family. Herk was an avid golfer well into his 80's and enjoyed both the game and especially the company of his friends. Ever the sports fan, Herk followed most sports closely but was especially fond of his Yankees and both UCONN Huskies basketball teams. In addition to sports, Herk loved to follow and talk politics and was looking forward to this year's election. Herk was a strong character and made friends wherever he went. He was predeceased by his mother Antoinette, father Joseph, Sister Angela and brother Francis as well as his wife of more than 50 years, Elaine Kossuth Diorio. Herk is survived by his son Gregory, Grandson Peter and his wonderful caregiver and daughter in law, Jane, who was so caring and connected him to his family. Additionally, Herk is survived by his dear friends and wonderful community at Masonicare in Newtown, CT. It is an amazing community of people there and they held a special place in Herk's soul. A private burial service was held in Bangor, PA. Memorial donations can be made to Lockwood Lodge Resident Council Fund, 139 Toddy Hill Rd., PO Box 5505, Newtown, CT 06470