Fred Leo DiDomenico, 93, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, in his home while surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 8, 1922, in Holloway, Ohio, to Giovanni and Celeste DiVincenzo Di Domenico. He along, with his five brothers and sisters, from an early age worked their farm and learned English together at school.
He graduated high school in 1940 and entered The Ohio State University.
Fred joined the Marine Corps in October 1942 and gallantly served 36 months in the South Pacific, receiving a Silver Star for his service.
After the war, he returned to OSU, where he met his first wife, Ruth.
He coached football and taught health for 12 years, touching the lives of many young men and women. He ended his teaching and coaching career in Washington Court House, a community he truly loved.
Fred served on the Washington City School Board of Education for 16 years and was also the board’s representative for the Great Oak Joint Vocations School for eight years. In 1993, he was general chairman and worked tirelessly raising money to build a new stadium at Gardner Park. Organizing the games and entertaining the youth at every gathering was a natural act for him. Serving his community brought him great satisfaction. “Giving Back” was his philosophy, being an eternal optimist was his gift.
In 1960, he entered the insurance business and spent the next 20 years with New York Life. He mixed New York Life and football by having pony league teams named the Nylies and Dividends. In 1980, he was appointed to managerial duties for Union Center Life Insurance Company and in 1988, he and his wife, Doris, and two partners formed a financial planning corporation in Washington Court House.
He was a member and past president of the Washington Rotary Club and had served as chairman of the board of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Creating gardens, sprouting seeds in his garage, lovingly planting them in the perfectly tiled soil and tending them consistently was one of his greatest passions. Taking care of his body, staying healthy and fit, working out and role modeling this as he aged was another of his passions. Dancing with Doris brought him great joy. Finally, at the age of 76, meeting his family in Capistrello, Italy, and staying connected with them made him extremely happy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and two brothers; his son, John Michael; and a step-son, Todd Mancini.
Fred is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Debby DiDomenico and her husband, Bob Matson; two grandchildren, Corina and Tony; three step-children, Debbie (Dan) Garrett, Brent (Becky) Mancini and Marlene (Bruce Fraser) Mancini; seven step-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; and many DiDomenico/DiVencenzo cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, at the Crossroads Christian Church with Todd Maurer, minister at the church, officiating.
Immediately following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshment will be held in the events center at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Fayette County, 222 N. Oakland Ave.; or the Crossroads Christian Church, 175 Halliday Way, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House. Visit www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
