Albert J. DiSandro; headed business

Albert J. DiSandro, 90, of Huntingdon Valley, the retired head of an equipment and party goods rental business, died Saturday, Dec. 31, of heart failure at his home.

E. Douglas DiSandro said his father was healthy, with all his faculties intact, until August 2014, when his wife, Anna Sonsini DiSandro, died. They were married for 64 years.

"They were truly a magical couple," his son said. "He just couldn't get over the loss of her. He had a broken heart."

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Antonetta Incollingo and Ernest DiSandro, an immigrant from Italy. He graduated from Central High School.

Mr. DiSandro was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Air Force from 1944 to 1946.

He graduated from Villanova University in 1949, with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Afterward, he joined his father's North Philadelphia contracting business, Ernest DiSandro Inc.

The younger Mr. DiSandro restructured the business, which became DiSandro Rentals Inc. He in turn ran the business with his son Albert J. Jr. until retiring in 2003.

Mr. DiSandro was active in the American Rental Association, a trade association for makers and suppliers of rental equipment.

Mr. DiSandro was a longtime member of St. Albert the Great Parish in Huntingdon Valley.

When his children were growing up, he coached youth sports in Abington, and later took delight in watching his grandchildren's sporting events.

He and his wife enjoyed attending the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Grand Opera Company, and Philadelphia Orchestra.

Mr. DiSandro also loved fishing, biking, and spending time in Margate, N.J., where his father had built a vacation home. "He was happiest when surrounded by the family at the dinner table at the end of a long beach day," his son said. He was a member of the Anglers Club in Margate.

Mr. DiSandro impressed upon his children and grandchildren the importance of family, religion, and hard work. "He never longed for material things," his son said. "He got his message down to the grandkids, and it's a legacy that continues in life."

Besides his sons, Mr. DiSandro is survived by children Denise Harakal, Debbie Ferry, and Daniel G.; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister.

A visitation from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, will be followed by a 2 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Rd., Huntingdon Valley. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or via www.StJude.org.

bcook@phillynews.com

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