Jan. 5, 2005--Paul E. "Paulie" DiSabatino. 75, died Jan. 3 after battling cancer.

As a native of Wilmington, Mr. DiSabatino earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at UD in 1951.

He began his career with the DuPont Co., and in 1953 he entered the family business, Ernest DiSabatino & Sons. He led EDiS, the founding division of the company, as president for 16 years.

Mr. DiSabatino was committed to the community and served on the board of directors of the West End Neighborhood House, Archmere Academy and was a trustee of St. Anthony of Padua parish. He also was active in the American Cancer Society, the Special Olympics, the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame, the University of Delaware and the MBNA Foundation.

In 1996, he was presented with the Monsignor Reese Award by Catholic Charities for his outstanding service in the community. In 2002, he was honored by the St. Anthony's Church Columbus Day Committee and by Archmere Academy as the Alumnus of the Year.

Mr. DiSabatino is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bettyann Jennings DiSabatino; and four children, Paula DiSabatino Gorman and her husband, Michael, Gail DiSabatino Showghi and her husband, Anush, Denise Allen and her husband, Ron, and Brian DiSabatino and his wife, Kelly, as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may call from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 6, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 North Dupont St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 7. Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Anthony in the Hills, 901 North Dupont St, Wilmington, DE 19805; or to the West End Neighborhood House, 710 North Lincoln St., Wilmington DE 19805.