ANGELO MENNA

Angelo was Owner and President of Quonset Cities Service, Inc., an automotive repair facility in North Kingstown for 40 years before his retirement in 1997.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from March 1951 to October 1953. On October 23, 2004, Angelo was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross medal by Senator Jack Reed in recognition of his heroic efforts as a B-29 Central Fire Control Gunner in the 93rd Bomb Squadron. While en route to North Korea, during an aerial mission on November 26, 1952, his aircraft experienced a major and near-catastrophic malfunction of the autopilot gyro causing the aircraft to suddenly dive. The resulting instant weightlessness caused the equipment and crew to be thrown about the aircraft. All of the bombs, with the exception of four, had broken loose from the racks and had fallen through the bomb bay doors. One 500-pound bomb and three other armed, photoflash bombs loosened but were hanging from the forward bomb rack. Angelo, without regard for his own safety and without a parachute, managed to release the four bombs and pushed them out of the bomb bay doors into the sea. Because of his extraordinary courage and exceptional skill, Airman Menna ultimately saved the lives of the eleven-member crew. His selflessness and devotion to duty and responsibility were his guiding principles in his later roles as an extraordinary, husband, father, and grandfather.

Angelo is survived by his adoring daughters, Karen L. Menna with whom he lived, and Jamie G. DiMaio and her husband Leo of Cranston. He was the proud and cherished grandfather of Stephanie Grace, Angelica Marie, and Leo Angelo DiMaio. He was the brother of the late Katherine Oliver, Emma D'Ambra, Gaetano Menna, John Menna and Elaine DeMatteis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Monday, at 10:00a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, 1525 Cranston Street, Cranston at 11:00a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston. VISITING HOURS are Sunday from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Rhode Island Veteran's Home, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809.