Ponte Vedra Beach man returns 1930s diploma to family

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Claudio Alvarado found the diploma in the parking lot of the Summer House Condominiums in Ponte Vedra Beach six years ago.

He forgot about the diploma until recently and posted it to social media.

After the original story aired Monday, David DiGiovanni contacted Action News Jax's Christy Turner and said the diploma belonged to his father.

He shared pictures of his father’s yearbook photo. He said he lost the diploma while moving.

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“I don’t know how we lost it. I really don’t. Nevertheless, it’s found,” DiGiovanni said.

On Thursday, Action News Jax set up an emotional reunion between DiGiovanni and Alvarado, along with their wives. The couples happen to live at the same complex and have previously crossed paths.

“This is what I wanted,” Alvarado said. “I actually wanted to find the person who it belongs to, you know, or that somebody related to the person. Here we are.”

DiGiovanni lost his father in 1970 to cancer but said he lived a full life.

“My dad had been in the Merchant Marines. He served in the World War II. He had been all over the world,” DiGiovanni said.

He said the diploma reminds him of his father and he’s beyond thankful to have it back in his hands.

“This is priceless,” DiGiovanni said. 

He said he plans to frame the diploma so he doesn’t lose it again.