Alfred Lubaugh Bernier diZerega III (Buddy) died at home on June 24, 2015. He was 88 years old. He was born at Rock Spring Farm on Loudoun Street in Leesburg Virginia on July 8 1926, the son of Alfred L.B. diZerega II of Aldie and Lucy Harrison diZerega of Leesburg.
After graduation from Fishburne Military School in 1944 he enlisted immediately in the US Navy serving over 2 years until the WW2 demobilization in 1947.
He served as Gunner’s Mate in the Pacific on board a troop ship and was briefly assigned ashore in the Philippines as a PBY4Y2 patrol plane waist gunner/ aerial photographer. During that time he documented the airborne assault of Manila. He earned the National Defense, American Campaign, Asiatic/Pacific and WW2 Victory Medals.
He had a lifelong love of aviation. After discharge from the Navy he earned his private pilot license. He logged over 1000 flight hours. He was a member of the aviation fraternal society, Quiet Bird Men.
He married Mary Porter Evans in 1946. That marriage ended in divorce. Their daughter Alice diZerega (Slingo) lives in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Alice’s son, Michael Alfred Burrows is now 28. He and his wife Amanda live in Covington OH. Buddy’s only great-grandchild, Madlelyn Grace Burrows, was born in 2013
In 1957 he married Janet Uhl Rodgers. That marriage ended in divorce. However, he adopted his step son, Rick. Rick diZerega is a Life Member of the both the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad. Buddy was honored to have been inducted as a Honorary Member of the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company for his years of dedicated support of the fire company.
His older sisters Florence (Ashbrook) and Lucy (Rich) died several years ago. His younger sister, Agnes (Di Cook) lives in the family home at Rock Spring. He is also survived by a large number of nephews, nieces and cousins from both the Harrison and diZerega branches of the family.
After WWII Buddy started in the building industry in Colorado returning to Leesburg in 1958 to Barber and Ross’ packaged home division. Starting in the 60’s and continuing to his death, he developed both commercial and residential properties in Loudoun County.
Buddy was interred at Union Cemetery in a service conducted by Rev Thomas Simmons of St Peters Episcopal Church, Purcellville at 1PM on Wednesday, July 8. After the service his friends and relatives were welcomed at his birthplace, Rock Spring Farm, 329 Loudoun St SW to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Department
PO Box 2377, Leesburg, VA 20177.