Obituary of Paul Di Natale

Paul Di Natale (Nonno) was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle, friend and colleague. As an architect for over 45 years, he prided himself in helping private clients construct their dream living spaces, treated the public and other professionals with respect as commissioner in civil service for NYC Department of Buildings, taught as a college professor and was an educator to many. He was a member of: the American Institute of Architects, Past President of the Queens Chapter, New York Society of Architects, NY State Board for Architecture, Institue of Design and Construction Advisory Board, Professional Design Center Past President, Member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Treasurer of the Metropolitan Train Collectors Association. Paul was active with the Knights of Columbus in Port Washington as Chancellor and Knight, 4th Degree, a member of the Order of Sons of Italy John Michael Marino Lodge, Port Washington and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Peter of Alcantara Parish. Loved eating pastries, focaccia and epsresso with anisette. Devoted Brooklyn Dodgers fan until they fled to California; then Mets all the way! Collected Lionel model trains and enjoyed refurbishing and showcasing them on his lay out. Planted flower pots, tomato, basil every spring and nurtured fig trees. Listened to Italian music every Sunday on the radio and attended local feasts. Watched the Three Stooges and Tom and Jerry with the Grandkids. Devoted fan of Columbo and Matlock TV series. Brought joy and smiles wherever and to whomever he met. Paul Di Natale was born a US Citizen in Bari, Italy since his father Angelo became a citizen while working in NYC with his oldest son, Joseph. He immigrated to the US when he was 11 years old, accompanied by his mother, Maria and middle brother, Anthony. The family was reunited and resided in Brooklyn where many friends welcomed them to the neighborhood known as “Grave’s End”. Paul attended school and then was drafted into the US Army and served in Germany from 1958 to 1960. Upon his return to the US, he pursued his education in Architecture and completed his degree in 1969, after having married his wife Marie in 1964 and celebrating the birth of their only child, Maria, in 1965. Over the next 40 years, they lived in Brooklyn, Valley Stream, Garden City and Douglaston. Paul and Marie moved to Port Washington in 2008 to be nearer to their daughter, son in law, Michael and their grandchildren, Natale, Valentina and Michael Paul. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Maria and Angelo, his brothers Joseph and Anthony and his sister Costanza. He is survived by his wife, Marie, daughter, Maria, son in law, Michael, grandchildren: Natale, Valentina and Michael, his nieces: Marie, Maria, Maria, Camille and Laura, grand nephews Joseph, Philip, and Nicholas, grand nieces Lisa, Kristina, Gabriella, and Lauren.