Alexander DelBene

Alexander G. DelBene, 94, of Girard, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2022, surrounded by his family. Alex was born May 19, 1928 in Youngstown, OH, the son of Michael and Margaret (Augustine) DelBene. Alex was a 1946 graduate of Girard High School, the Youngstown College in 1960, and received his Masters Degree from Westminster College in 1965. Alex also served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 and was stationed throughout Europe during the Korean War. There Alex had the honor of meeting Pope Pius XII and kissing his Papal Ring. While in the service Alex played on the Battalion Baseball Team which traveled throughout Germany playing their games.
Alex was a faithful member of St. Rose Church and was deeply inspired by the Sunday Sermons. All five of his children went to St. Rose School.
Alex was a teacher in the Bloomfield, Hubbard and Girard School Systems, spending the majority of his time in the Girard Schools. Besides a career in education, he also was a graduate of the Akron Barber School, worked for the Girard Recreation Department and along with Charlie Lamacusa, was co-owner of A&C Slot Car Raceway which was located in Girard.
Alex loved all sports. He was a diehard Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and Boston Celtic fan. Alex was also deeply involved in playing as well as in coaching. He loved the competition that all sports provided for him. Alex coached football, basketball and baseball at all levels, but his real passion was for the game of baseball. He played on many local sandlot teams and later on went on to play Fast Pitch Softball, and in 1960 played United States Regional Tournament in Hamilton, Ohio. He also went on to coach local Pony League Teams in Girard, a Youngstown Double A team and the Girard High School Baseball Team. Upon his retirement from teaching. Alex won many medals while competing in the Senior Olympics. He even took up the game of golf at age 70 and continued to golf for the next 23 years, recording 2 holes in one. Alex was inducted in the Baseball Old Timers Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Girard Hall of Fame in 2004. If you would ask Alex, his greatest accomplishments weren't in athletics, it was being a father. Whether at home, work, on vacation or playing and coaching, Alex was kind, compassionate, easy going and always enjoyed making friends by telling one of his many jokes. He simply enjoyed going thru life at his own pace while trying not to offend anyone. He always tried to find good in anyone he met.
He leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life for 69 years, Elena (Lena) (Lemmo) DelBene, whom he married June 13, 1953. Together they remained loyal to each other with endless love to the very end. His children include: Michael DelBene of Girard, David DelBene of Girard, James (Demara) DelBene of Sesser, Illinois, Stephen DelBene of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Barbara (Mark) Porter of Girard as well as 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his brother Dominic DelBene.
The DelBene Family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph's and St. E's Mercy Health in Youngstown that cared for Alex. They were very kind, compassionate and professional to him and our family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 10:00 AM at St. Rose Church, followed by military honors at the church. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, July 8th from 6-8 PM at Blackstone Funeral Home. Alex will be laid to rest at Girard City Cemetery.