Dennis R. DiMaio, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 15.
He was born on Oct. 3, 1948 in Lynn, son of the late Gennaro and Olga DiMaio. He graduated in 1967 from Lynn Classical High School and attended Arizona Western.
Dennis was a veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His service included an overseas tour to the Republic of Korea during which time he attained the rank of corporal. He received the Korea Defense Service Medal.
He was employed by the Metropolitan District Commission and retired as a foreman. He was a reserve officer with the Saugus Police Department. He was a very active member of the American Legion in Saugus and Middleton. While serving in Middleton he was Post Service officer, post commander and also served as junior vice commander, senior vice commander and commander of Massachusetts American Legion District.
Dennis was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for fishing, hunting and camping. He entered into multiple fishing tournaments for stripers and blue fish on the North Shore, winning multiple times. He loved his garden and for many years he would enter his onions at the Topsfield Fair and earned a few first place awards for growing the largest onion.
He is survived by his sister, Jane (DiMaio) Dembowski of Danvers and nieces Stephanie Dembowski of Melrose, Andrea Morello and her husband Tim of Medfield, nephews Walter Dembowski and his wife Tracie of Danvers and James Dembowski of Jersey City, N.J., also his loving companion Maureen Kazan. He was predeceased by his sister Geraldine (DiMaio) Smith.
The family extends a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Beth Israel Hospital for their dedication, kindness and compassion during his many hospitalizations. The family also sends a special thank you to the staff and caregivers at the Pilgrim Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital. Dennis had the dedicated support of many friends, especially his childhood friends Larry and John Fennah during his long illness.
Service information: Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral from the NADWORNY Funeral Home, 798 Western Ave., Lynn, Friday at 9:30 a.m., followed by his Mass of Christian burial in St. Mary’s Church, Lynn, at 10:30 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Interment in Bourne National Cemetery at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post 227, 69 River St., P.O. Box 227, Middleton, MA 01949. For guest book and directions please visit Nadwornyfuneralhome.com.