Michael Louis Discenza

Discenza Michael Louis, 79, a longtime resident of West Springfield, MA, died Saturday at the Wester Mass Hospital in Westfield. Born in Springfield, January 11, 1923 to the late Joseph and Nicoletta (DeStefano) Discenza, he was a graduate of Cathedral High School. He was a self employed builder and contractor. During WWII, he worked for the U.S. Army Transport Service. He was a 21 year member, and past chairman of the West Springfield Finance Commission, a past Grand Knight at the West Springfield Knights of Columbus, a member of the West Springfield Planning Board, Industrial Development Commission, and Town Meeting member. Mr. Discenza was also a former member of the West Springfield/Agawam Elks Club, the president for 6 years, and on the Board of Directors for the Work Opportunity Center for 25 years, a member of the West Springfield Rotary Club International, the former West Springfield Exchange Club, two time Presient of the Springfield Builders Association, President of the State Home Builders Association, a national representative for the Homebuilders Association, and past recipient of the Builder of the Year award. Mr. Discenza was a small aircraft pilot, enjoyed sailing, and was an avid photographer, winning prizes as recently as this past summer for his print of the Twin Towers. He was the beloved father of Peter M. Discenza and his wife Sara, of Eagan, MN, Richard E. Discenza and his wife Lucy of Westfield, James L. Discenza of Knoxville, TN, David J. Discenza and his wife Barbara of Huntington, CT and Joanne M. Roberts and her husband Jon of West Springfield. He also leaves his brother, Louis Discenza of Jacksonville, FL; sister, Mary Jane Ballatore of Lodi, CA; his twin sister, Anna Marie Chargin of Stockton, CA; 12 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves his former wife, Ann Discenza of Ludlow, MA. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary L. (Fitz Maurice) Discenza in 1986. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday morning at 10 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Pine Street, West Springfield, with burial to follow in the parish cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6-9 PM at the Tommey-O'Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield. Donations in memory of Mr. Discenza may be made in lieu of flowers to the ALS Association Mass Chapter, 7 Lincoln St., Wakefield, MA 01880, or to the Columiba University ALS Gift Fund, 710 West 168th St., Box 107, New York, NY 10032.

Published on October 9, 2002