John Edward DiMeglio
July 16, 1934 — December 31, 2018
John Edward DiMeglio
Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202
John Edward DiMeglio, 84, of Mankato, MN, passed peacefully December 31, 2018, after battling cancer and congestive heart failure.
He was the loving husband of Alice for 63 years and brother to Catharine (Don) Ache and Richard (Gayle) DiMeglio; devoted father to daughter Jean Anne (Doug) Willaert, and sons Michael (Tina), Joseph (Kathy), Stephen, Mark (Sarah), Andrew; grandfather to 11, Elizabeth, Josiah, Anthony, Rachel, Bryon, Jasmyn, Gideon, Samantha, Cole, Shaye, Nicolas; and great-grandfather to 3, Noah, Preston, Micah.
Born on July 16, 1934, in Allentown, PA, the son of an immigrant barber and an artist/teacher, John graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA at the age of 16. He earned an undergraduate degree from Kutztown State Teachers College, then returned to Liberty where he taught social studies for 10 years.
After earning a doctorate in history from the University of Maine, he was hired by Minnesota State University, Mankato. Over his 23 years as a professor, he became a published author (Vaudeville U.S.A.), was a chair of the history department and, in 1991, was the first recipient of the president's faculty emeritus lectureship. He often taught in large auditoriums with popular classes such as the History of Sports, History of Baseball, History of Organized Crime, and Walt Disney’s America, each attracting hundreds of students.
John loved sports, particularly baseball and basketball. He lived long enough to see his beloved Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Eagles win world championships.
He also loved the silver screen; traveling; being behind the wheel on the open road, especially on roads less traveled; invigorating TV talk shows, documentaries, and conversation; completing crossword puzzles; and grocery shopping. He was a voracious reader and researcher, who interviewed dozens of celebrities and prominent baseball players including Hall of Famers.
Above all, he was a prolific writer and storyteller who had a deep love for learning and teaching. He often spoke fondly of the many friends he made among his students and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you wish to honor John, please donate to Liberty High School, the University of Maine, or Minnesota State University, Mankato.
He was the loving husband of Alice for 63 years and brother to Catharine (Don) Ache and Richard (Gayle) DiMeglio; devoted father to daughter Jean Anne (Doug) Willaert, and sons Michael (Tina), Joseph (Kathy), Stephen, Mark (Sarah), Andrew; grandfather to 11, Elizabeth, Josiah, Anthony, Rachel, Bryon, Jasmyn, Gideon, Samantha, Cole, Shaye, Nicolas; and great-grandfather to 3, Noah, Preston, Micah.
Born on July 16, 1934, in Allentown, PA, the son of an immigrant barber and an artist/teacher, John graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA at the age of 16. He earned an undergraduate degree from Kutztown State Teachers College, then returned to Liberty where he taught social studies for 10 years.
After earning a doctorate in history from the University of Maine, he was hired by Minnesota State University, Mankato. Over his 23 years as a professor, he became a published author (Vaudeville U.S.A.), was a chair of the history department and, in 1991, was the first recipient of the president's faculty emeritus lectureship. He often taught in large auditoriums with popular classes such as the History of Sports, History of Baseball, History of Organized Crime, and Walt Disney’s America, each attracting hundreds of students.
John loved sports, particularly baseball and basketball. He lived long enough to see his beloved Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Eagles win world championships.
He also loved the silver screen; traveling; being behind the wheel on the open road, especially on roads less traveled; invigorating TV talk shows, documentaries, and conversation; completing crossword puzzles; and grocery shopping. He was a voracious reader and researcher, who interviewed dozens of celebrities and prominent baseball players including Hall of Famers.
Above all, he was a prolific writer and storyteller who had a deep love for learning and teaching. He often spoke fondly of the many friends he made among his students and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you wish to honor John, please donate to Liberty High School, the University of Maine, or Minnesota State University, Mankato.
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