Alfonso Davino

Alfonso “Moe” Davino, Jr., 91, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017, at home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM, Friday, May 5, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St. St. Joseph with Father Thomas McNally officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, Fernwood Botanical Garden or Caring Circle Hospice. Friends wishing to leave a condolence or share a memory of Moe may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Al “Moe” was born in Chicago, IL on February 19, 1926 to Alfonso & Josephine (Romeo) Davino. A year later the Davino family settled in Benton Harbor. He attended Bard Elementary School and went on to graduate from Benton Harbor High School. Moe proudly served his Country in the United States Navy in WWII from July 1944 to June 1946 until he was honorably discharged. He achieved the rank of Seaman First Class and was awarded the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal. Upon returning home he married the love of his life Marlene Jean Barmore on June 28, 1952 at St. John’s Rectory. Moe studied music at the Chicago School of Fine Arts and went on to receive a degree in music education and a teaching certificate in elementary education from Western Michigan University. As a young man he worked in the music business as a salesman for several local music stores. Moe also played music professionally, being a talented jazz percussionist. He was the drummer in the House of David Band under the direction of Manna Woodworth and later Chick Bell. Moe  played during the weekends at local venues such as the Parkmoore on Fair Ave., Feidelman’s Resort, the Whitcomb Hotel, Sinbad’s West and the Navajo to name a few. After obtaining his degree from WMU, he taught music at River Valley Schools, and then at Coloma Community Schools, where he was the band director and then taught fourth grade at Washington School for many years until he retired. Moe was a good man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was passionate about his family, his music, and his country. Moe enjoyed celebrating his Italian heritage with family and friends and was a staunch Democrat. His retirement years were spent in the company of his Bard School Buddies, the Shoreham breakfast group, the retired Coloma Teachers, Thursday lunch with the Davinos and Romeos and Fridays at Fernwood with his daughter. Moe recently became the owner of a 2003 Mustang convertible, which he enjoyed driving around town with his family and friends whenever the opportunity presented itself. He will be missed by many, especially his cat Oreo. He is survived by his daughter Debra (Don) Patzer of Mishawaka, IN; his son Michael Davino of St. Joseph; granddaughters Kristen Patzer and Lindsay (Happy) Hipshier; great-grandchildren Johnny and Lila; sisters, Gloria (Bob) Bischoff, Betty (Clayton) Benson, Yolanda (Chuck) Dignen, Rose (Cyril) Fuller, Delores (Ben) Cotham, Shirley (Roger) Garrison and brother Don (Esther) Davino and a large loving family of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, his parents and his brothers Joseph and George.