Major Donald D. Nigro

Major Donald Dominic Nigro (Retired), age 81, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at his residence in Scott, LA. Memorial Graveside Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2011 at St. Mary's Cemetery with Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Don was born on May 26, 1929 to Lenora and Dominic Nigro. He was a native of Cleveland, OH and a resident of Scott, LA for the past 20 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of NE, Omaha. He served in the Army Military Police from 1948 to 1952, including a tour of duty guarding Nazi prisoners in Nuremburg, Germany. Don had an interest in aviation at an early age and was a member of the civilian air patrol (CAP). He joined the Air Force, already with a commercial pilot rating, and flew B-47 Stratojets for the Strategic Air Command. While in Waco, TX on assignment, he met Irene Muska of West, TX. The couple married on August 24, 1957 and had six children. In 1965, he switched aircraft to C-130 Hercules for the Tactical Air Command and flew in the Vietnam War. Don received multiple presidential citations and medals for his service in the USAF, including the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. While in the Air Force he brought his family on many adventures, including living in the Philippines and Europe. After 27 years of service, he retired from the military and embarked on a new career in the oil field industry working for the Petroleum Center, Schlumberger, and other companies. His second retirement was at age 74. While in Lafayette, LA. he met and married Elizabeth "Angie" Dunn on Sept 1, 1995. He was an officer of the VFW Post 2103, a member of the American Legion Post 69, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be missed greatly. Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Irene Magdalene Muska of West; his parents Lenora and Dominic Nigro; one sister, Carol; and one stepson. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Angie" Dunn Nigro of Scott, LA; two daughters, Ann Nigro (Curt Abell) of Jefferson, GA, and Kathleen Ferreira (Raymond) of Tampa, FL; four sons, Donald Jr. (Brigid) of Plano, TX, David (Michele) of Jacksonville, AR, Keith (Kirsta) of Little Rock, AR, and Timothy (Tracy) of Gulf Breeze, FL; two step-daughters, Stacy Dominquet of Breaux Bridge and Lisa Harrington (Ed) of Magnolia, TX; one stepson, Ricky Champagne of Scott; two sisters, Dolores Kappenhagen (George) of Stroudsburg, PA, and Donna Gardner of Pittsburgh, PA; four grandchildren and eight step-grandchildren. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Don's name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., #200, Lafayette, LA 70503.