Mr. Alex A. DiSanto

Alessandro "Alex" Antonio il Grande DiSanto Alex DiSanto, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 24, 2020. Born in 1931 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Alex was the youngest of nine children born to Giovanni DiSanto and Rosina (Sciullo) DiSanto. In 1956, he married Dona Lester of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Alex was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the 2nd Army Group – 931st EAG. He conceived, patented and manufactured the four sided locking aluminum shingle. Alcoa Aluminum eventually bought the patent and this product is used worldwide to this day in various forms. He is well-known throughout Central Pennsylvania for founding Triple Crown Corporation and leading many real estate development and construction projects over his long career. He formed the local Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity Chapter, developing over 20 homes for charity. He was declared one of President George Bush's Thousand Points of Light in 1998 for his work with Habitat for Humanity. Alex was quietly philanthropic with numerous people, charities and institutions. Although he preferred to remain anonymous, he offered notable support in endowing a business chair at Harrisburg University; contributing to the construction of the monastery of Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; and building and donating 5 homes known as “Holy Houses” to Holy Name of Jesus School. In his spare time, he owned, bred and raced thoroughbred race horses. He enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, Saratoga Springs, Europe and spent much time at family events. Alex was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Diana, Angie, Ida, Isabella, Sister Claire of The Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Washington DC; brothers, Tony and Jack; and two brothers who died in infancy. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Dona DiSanto; his sister, Christiana; his children, Alex Jr. "Primo" (Mary Ellen), Julie (Ted Amberman) DiSanto, Senator John (Maria) DiSanto, Mark (Dr. Susan) DiSanto; his grandchildren, Nicolas (Vanessa), Christopher, Hannah, Natalie, Alessandro and Bianca DiSanto, Kellie (Kurt Hahner) Szabo, Laura (Trevor Brown) Szabo, Alexandra (Travis) Kreiger, Alex Szabo; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Elizabeth, Tybor, Caroline, Everett, Gabriella, Lorelai, John; and many nieces and nephews. Alex was a devout Roman Catholic, a former parishioner of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Francis Assisi Church and Holy Name of Jesus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity, 900 S. Arlington Ave, #105B, Harrisburg, PA 17109. The DiSanto family would like to give sincere thanks to Arden Courts of Susquehanna, Homeland Center, Bessie Wallace, Grace Katayi, and all the people who visited and helped take care of Alex during these last few months.

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Mr. Alex A. DiSanto

December 28, 1931 - February 24, 2020