John P. Dinnocenzo

Of Wilkins Twp., passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at the age of 100.  John was a proud veteran of WWII with service as a combat infantryman in the US Army.  John earned a Purple Heart after being wounded during the battle of Anzio.  He also earned two Bronze Stars and was honored for his wartime service multiple times during the past year.  John was thrilled to be recognized for his service at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home game opener on September 14th, where he was formally presented with his Purple Heart.

John was married for 71 years to Edith (Caprara) who passed away in November 2024.  John was the loving father of Debra (Richard Swegan) Dinnocenzo of Wexford, Joseph (Olesya Haze) Dinnocenzo of NY, and John Paul Dinnocenzo of FL.  John cherished his grandchildren, Jennimarie (Dinnocenzo Swegan) Ballard and her husband William of St. Louis, and Timothy Dinnocenzo of NY.  A significant delight for John was the birth in August of his first great-grandchild, John Morris Ballard. 

John was preceded in death by brothers Anthony and Patsy Dinnocenzo and sisters Rose Rossetti, Flora Dinnocenzo, Sandra Kuretich, and Kathryn Marinelli.  He is survived by many nieces and nephews.  John was also preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Jennie (Nese) Dinnocenzo.

A proud 1943 graduate of Turtle Creek High School, John’s career following his Army service included becoming an expert carpenter and founding Dinnocenzo Construction.  John built and renovated many notable buildings in the Pittsburgh area, and he continued using his carpentry skills well into retirement.  John was an avid and excellent golfer with a 6 handicap during the many years that he was a regular golfer at Churchill Valley Country Club. 

Friends are welcome on Sunday from 1-5 p.m., at the Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek/Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, (412) 823-9350.

Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Bernadette Church/Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish on Monday at 10 a.m.

John will be laid to rest in Braddock Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the following charities or a cause of your choice:  Little Sisters of the Poor (https://littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org/donate/), 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; Honor Flight Pittsburgh (https://www.honorflightpittsburgh.org/donate/), 20436 Rte 19, Suite 620-273, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066; or St. Bernadette Church/Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish (https://christthedivineshepherd.org/online-giving), 245 Azalea Dr, Monroeville, PA 15146.