Ltc Philip D'Angelo

LTC Philip H. D'Angelo died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the Leavenworth VA Hospital. LTC D'Angelo served in the United States Army during WWII and during the Korean Conflict. He was Commanding Officer of the 821st Transportation Battalion. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army in 1972.

Philip was born January 25, 1912 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Donnick and Santino D'Angelo. When he was 18, he moved to New York City and later became known as Buddy Harris, the leader of an orchestra. One of their well-known songs was entitled "Maybe". Shortly thereafter, he relocated to Topeka, Kansas and decided to enlist in the Army. He received his commission upon graduation from Officer's Candidate School, Class of 1928, at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. He also graduated from the Army Transportation School at Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He received many medals and awards: The Pacific Theater 2 Stars; Philippians Liberation America Defense; Good Conduct Medal; Reserve Medal; Victory Medal; Purple Heart; Bronze Star; Oak Leaf; Reserve Achievement Award; and the Reserved Commendation Medal.

He was a lifetime member of the Retired Officer Association and a lifetime member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Phillip Billard Post 1650. He was also an ordained Baptist minister, and the owner of D'Angelo's Men's Wear. Later in life, he helped his wife, Bonnie, operate Taber Arms.

He was married to Velma McDermott in Topeka on October 15, 1940. She preceded him in death on June 12, 1991. Other survivors include his wife, Bonnie, of the home; a stepdaughter, Michelle Taber, Topeka, and two step-grandchildren, Erin Ripperger, Topeka; and Jon Ripperger, Leavenworth.

Funeral services will be held at 9 am Friday, March 14, at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Full military honors will occur at his burial in Leavenworth National Cemetery immediately following the service. Friends may call on the family at a visitation Thursday evening, March 13, from 7 - 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Colmery-O-Neill VA Center. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.