Cataldo Nicholas “Chuck” DiComo
1938-2024
On Friday, June 28, 2024, Cataldo Nicholas “Chuck” DiComo, loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away at age eighty-five after struggling with dementia. Chuck was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 18, 1938.
He is predeceased by his parents Philip S. and Catherine DiComo, his daughter-in-law Patricia DiComo and his nephew Richard DaCunha, and survived by his wife Christine, two children Charles (Chip) and Philip and their wives Diane Manza and Karolyn DiComo, his siblings, Anthony DiComo and Madeline DiComo, sister-in- law Camille DiComo and sister-in-law Elena Justice, his grandchildren, Andrew DiComo and wife Sidney, Matthew DiComo and Kara DiComo, and nieces Marisa Contreras, Christine DiComo-McKnight and nephews Michael Castillo, Anthony DiComo, Jr. and grand-nieces Gabriela and Giuliana Contreras, Margaret and Angie McKnight.
Chuck married Maria Christina Donofrio in Lodi, New Jersey in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class from 1955 to 1961. Chuck and Chris moved to Hialeah, Florida in 1962, and in 1968 they and their two children moved to Miramar, Florida where they lived happily for nearly 60 years.
Chuck was active in his Miramar community for decades and enjoyed time as a local boy scout leader, a leader of the Miramar Optimist Club. As a member of the Optimist Club, Chuck coached his sons in T-ball and football. Chuck was named one of Miramar’s Five Outstanding Young Men.
Chuck was a passionate leader at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church where over many years he worshiped and volunteered for decades in numerous capacities, including serving as an usher, carnival chair and member and Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus.
One of Chuck’s greatest joys was serving as a helper to Santa Claus. Chris had a custom Santa suit made for Chuck and his joyful representation as Santa brought him invitations from organizations throughout south Broward. Chuck particularly loved presenting Santa Claus to his own family as well as special needs children. During his many years as Santa’s helper, he would regularly speak at local churches as Santa Claus about the real meaning of Christmas, culminating with kneeling before the Christ child on the alter.
For many years, Chuck and Chris were known for having a Christmas Eve celebration at their Miramar home. Friends, family and strangers all gathered to enjoy each other’s company and the exceptional Italian feast. Although the revelers often dispersed for midnight mass, it wasn’t unusual for diehards and the local priests, to come back afterwards and continue the celebration. Chuck always told his guests, “You only get the first invitation, and then we expect you back each year!”
He was a respected account manager with American Greetings Corp. where he enjoyed longstanding relationships with co-workers from all walks of life. When Chuck retired from American Greetings, he became a passionate volunteer with Mended Hearts at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, an organization dedicated to helping heart patients and their families. Chuck formed a chapter of Mended Little Hearts at Memorial Hospital, an organization serving babies born with congenital heart defects or heart conditions.
Chuck will be remembered for his sense of humor, his laugh, his love of family and good food, and for his selfless life-long service to his community.
A visitation will be held on July 5, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 with the Funeral Service at 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
There will be a Funeral Mass on July 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 701 N Hiatus Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 followed by a procession to Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2401 SW 64th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317.
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church
Forest Lawn Cemetery
© 2024 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Phil DiComo
June 30, 2024, 12:25 pm
I wrote this tribute to my father over 30 years ago, but I think it gives some insight into the man my father was:
Hot Tea, Cheap Aftershave and My Dad
https://accumulationofthepast.blogspot.com/2020/03/hot-tea-cheap-aftershave-and-my-dad.html
Julie May
July 1, 2024, 2:01 am
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Jo Ryan
July 1, 2024, 7:06 pm
I have such fond memories of Chuck eith my son Justin. Justin referred to Chuck as “my buddy ” . One Christmas eve after mass Chuck was there as Santa Claus and spent some time talking to Justin. When they were done and we turned to leave, Justin turned to me and said “you know, Santa sounds just like my buddy”. After another mass the two of them sat together and talked about who knows what but Chuck spent about 45 minutes listening to whatever er this little boy had to say. That meant a lot to us. I’m sure Justin greeted his “buddy” in Heaven. RIP Chuck, my love to Chris and family❤️
Marvin Keyser
July 1, 2024, 8:25 pm
Chuck was like an older brother to me. He was also my mentor with Mended Hearts and a true friend.
He will always be in my prayers.
God bless his soul.
love to all,
Marvin Keyser
Rosario Bornoty
July 1, 2024, 9:40 pm
My most sincere condolences to you Christine and your family, he’s now in the arms of his maker, and having George taking him all over ….Chris. I am here for you, can call me anytime… love you Rosie Bornoty.
April Leong
July 2, 2024, 12:07 pm
Sending our deepest condolences, may he rest in peace. Prayers for you and your family.
Knights of Columbus Holy Spirit Council 6032
July 2, 2024, 1:58 pm
Knights of Columbus Holy Spirit Council 6032 sends our deepest sympathy to the family of Chuck DiComo.
“May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.”
Chad Sunstrom
July 2, 2024, 5:13 pm
I remember some of those Christmas parties (from child’s perspective) and that the food was great but the spirit and energy was even better at the DiComos
Mr Dick uh mo was what we called him as kids (I’m sure my dad was encouraging the mispronunciation) and he was always so kind to us
Nothing but good memories and pretty sure I made a few Xmas wishes on his lap whenever he played Santa for the neighborhood
He was a great man
RIP
Ginger Sadolf
July 2, 2024, 7:36 pm
Chuck was one in a million! I learned so much from him as my mentor with Mended Hearts Chapter 161. We had wonderful times at Memorial Regional Hospital visiting patients. Both Chuck and Chris are two of the most gracious and fun people to be around. Their house was always full of family, friends and love. I will cherish all the wonderful memories. Rest In Peace Chuck. Heaven has gained another angel.
Darell Boigris
July 2, 2024, 7:44 pm
The Boigris family sends their sincere condolences to you and your family, may your father rest in peace – your family is in our prayers.
Jill Scally
July 3, 2024, 4:05 pm
I lived across the street from Charlie’s sister in law. We grew up together. were BFF so Charlie and Chris and their children were a huge part of my life. Christmas’s were the best at their house.
Charlie was always happy, witty and kind.
Always loved them dearly.
I remember a time at Dania Pier when Charlie took us out on boat water skiing with big BBQ. Think Elena and I were about 14 at the time , I wanted to drive the boat. The Queen Mary was docked there. So Charlie let me drive and I wanted to see ship. I expertly got close. Ha! But Charlie didn’t ever get mad or angry. He treated me like a little sister.
I remember American Greeting cards in house with Aluminium top rings.
It was a haven for me.
Elena and I grew apart and lost touch for awhile but then about 10 years reconnected. So first thing back at Charle and Chris’s house. Charlie and Chris acted like I had never been away. He treated me exactly the same. A few years after that I brought my British partner for a Father’s day meal to see Charle and Chris and the extended family.
My partner and Charlie, well, it was love at first sight
You couldn’t pull them apart.
But that was Charlie. Always funny. loving. generous, kind and treated you like family.
Charlie and Chris were a huge part of my life which was much appreciated. Loved him always and forever. Charlie was even my baby brother’s baseball coach.
They are both in heaven now.
RIP Charlie. you more then earned your wings. Condolences to Chris and family.
Much love and prayers to you all.
Love you. Jill and David
Mary Danforth
July 3, 2024, 9:15 pm
He was such a huge help to my husband and I with Mended Hearts.
I will always be thankful for him.
He always had a smile and a helping hand. My condolences to the family.
Celeste Sigmon
July 4, 2024, 9:45 pm
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. DiComo’s passing..Whenever I would see him at Memorial West, he always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting for me..
My condolences to Chip and the entire Dicomo family.
Linda Dehnert
July 5, 2024, 12:53 pm
I thought I was involved with the church I knew he was nice kind and funny but after reading these stories, I think I miss getting to know him better, thank you Cathy Donn for inviting me to his living ceremony💝🙏🏽
Dé Barbadaes
July 6, 2024, 4:18 pm
Manny & I send you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences. Chuck holds a very special place in our hearts and in our lives.
It is because of Chuck, over 35 years ago, we found our walk with God again and built our entire life from that chance meeting.
We were asked to be Godparents to my brother’s future child and the Baptism would be held at Saint Bartholomew. We were required to attend a Baptism class which you and Chuck led with such grace.
We fell in love with Chuck and he made us fall in love with God.
We joined the Saint Bartholomew family where our life and FRAMILY was truly built because of Chuck and your welcoming love. THANK YOU will never be enough.
May he be rejoicing in his well earned heavenly rewards and may you and your family find comfort in your beautiful memories and blessings of having him in your immediate family.
God Bless and again Thank you for blessing us. 🙏🏼😘
Lynda Waters
July 8, 2024, 9:22 am
My condolences to Chris and family. I amso sorry for your loss. I will always love my”old boyfriend”. This is wh a t he called himself. Charlie was such a warm loving human being. I remember Christmas and other get together at his and Chris’s house.
Vincent Owoc
July 10, 2024, 5:38 pm
Chuck was a great friend to my father and mother. He truly had the virtue of joy and will be missed by many people including the numerous lives he touched through Cursillo. Chuck is now on his fifth day receiving the rewards set aside for all he did on his fourth day.