Aldo Raymond Cingolani

Aldo Raymond Cingolani passed away at the age of 65 in his home surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Aldo was born on November 2, 1946 in Lake Village, but was a lifelong resident of McGehee. He was a 1964 graduate of McGehee High School and a 1970 graduate of the University of Monticello where he received a B.S. in Agriculture Business. He was preceded in death by his parents, Duilio (Buck) and Victoria Cingolani and his in-laws; Ray and Willene Mashburn. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 43 years, Patsy and his three brothers, Frank Cingolani of North Little Rock, William Cingolani and wife Carol of Ormond Beach, Fla. and George Cingolani and wife Karen of McGehee. Aldo was also supported throughout his illness by his children, Jennifer Allison and husband Keith of Pea Ridge, Ark.; Marianna Boothe and husband Rodney of McGehee; Lynne Whitaker and Allison Cingolani both of McGehee. He was known as Papa to five grandchildren, Courtney Doss, Vance Whitaker and Chloe Boothe of McGehee; and Landon and Kennedy Allison of Pea Ridge. Aldo was a favorite Uncle and Cousin and an admired friend, teacher, and co-worker to countless others. Aldo was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he served on the church council and as a Eucharistic Minister. He also dedicated time to several community organizations such as Lion's Club, Industrial Foundation, Men's Club and Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Farm Bureau, supported multiple community events such as Tour de Hoot, Boys & Girls Club and Owl Fest just to name a few. He was awarded the 10 Gallon Donation pin for over 40 years of blood donations to the Red Cross. In addition to serving six years in the Arkansas Army National Guard, Aldo started his civilian work life by teaching Science in both Eudora and McGehee School systems before joining First National Bank of McGehee where he would spend the next 36 years. During this time he worked his way up from Loan Officer to Vice President. He was not just a friendly banker; he used his profession to establish lifelong relationships that in his final days would provide an overwhelming amount of support and love for him and his family, which was a true testament of his character. He lived life to the fullest by spending as much time as possible with family and friends doing the things that he loved; hunting, fishing, riding on the farm, cooking and especially riding horses and roping. He possessed a great sense of humor and usually had a joke to share with those who crossed his path. Aldo was McGehee's Cowboy that greeted everyone with a firm handshake and a smile. Even during this most difficult struggle, he showed tremendous strength and courage with a "Cowboy Up" fight and attitude until it was time to ride to his rodeo in the sky. We will all miss our Cowboy Aldo, but remember his final words to all of us are, "Happy Trails to You, Until We Meet Again." A private funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, for family and members of St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Raja Chappidi officiating. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 22, 2012 at First United Methodist Church of McGehee with Rev. Joe Head officiating. Visitation will be 4:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, September 21, 2012 with a Rosary starting at 7 p.m. at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee and all friends are encouraged to wear their Team Aldo shirts. Burial will be at McGehee Cemetery. Pallbearers: Chris Cingolani, Michael Cingolani, Josh Cingolani, Timmy Pambianchi, Matt Miles, Bryan Young, John Robinson, and Jim Daniels. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers a tax-deductible donation can be made payable to the Delta Area Community Foundation for the Aldo Cingolani Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o First National Bank of McGehee, P.0. Box 728, McGehee, Arkansas. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee. To convey condolences or to sign online registry, please visit www.griffinculpepper.com.