Albert Edgar “Jiggs” Destocki, 85, of Ironton, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at his residence.
He was the son of the late Frank and Bertha (Grant) Destocki of Ironton.
Jiggs graduated from Ironton High School as part of the class of 1942. As a United States Army veteran, Jiggs served on General Eisenhower’s staff for the preparation of the invasion of Normandy during World War II. He later was part of the occupational forces in Belgium. As a sergeant he received three Bronze Stars and a Victory Medal.
After the service to his country, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Ohio State University.
He retired from the C & O Railroad (CSX) in Russell, Ky., and was a former member of the Evangelical Untied Brethren (E.U.B.) Church of Ironton, and was most recently a member of the First Baptist Church of Ironton.
Jiggs was an avid historian and absolutely loved genealogy. He spent numerous hours and years researching not only his own family history, but the family history of others who had requested such from him. He dedicated many long hours to the Lawrence County Historical Society in his early retirement and cherished the history of our county.
Jiggs was friend to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Katherine Destocki, Oscar “Pete” (Virginia) Destocki, Walter “Bill” (Faye) Destocki, Eileen (Lester) Turner, Gertrude (Walter) Adamkowski, Joan (William) Howeth, and three infant siblings as well as nieces, Melanie Turner and Sonia Destocki Barron.
Left to cherish the memories of his wonderful personality and vast knowledge are his nephews and nieces, Paul E. (Carol Jean Hampton) Destocki, of Ironton, Walter Andrew Destocki of Lancaster, Rebecca Ratliff of Portsmouth, Michael Turner of Stout, Lester Turner, Jr.; Jodelle Turner; Linda Moore; Joseph Adamkowski of Amsterdam, N.Y.; and several others; grandnephews, Chris Hampton Destocki, of Ironton, Jeffrey D. Barron of Hilliard, Paul E. Destocki, II; Andy Destocki and Devon Destocki of Lancaster, and several other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a host a friends.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Woodland Cemetery with the Rev. Dennis Strawn officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by VFW Post 8850, James Rowe Commander
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jiggs’ memory to the Lawrence County Historical Society, 506 South Sixth Street, Ironton, Ohio.
The family has entrusted his care to the Brown Funeral Chapel.