Obituary of Doris DeMarco

November 5, 2019

Doris DeMarco, age 91, passed away lovingly on November 5, 2019.

"It is so very difficult to lose the one person who witnessed all of your past life. Doris to me is a woman who always thought of others. I was fortunate to have had two profound talks with her. I was struck by the depth of her sentiments; she loved easily and much. She listened eagerly and responded with understanding and wisdom; her spirituality evident." – Janet Paluch, a dear family friend.

Doris was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, and person. Above all, she was selfless, strong-willed, dedicated and giving. She put others before herself. She sacrificed for her children as a widowed mother at a young age. Doris was a provider and learned how to be self-sufficient as a widowed mother. Despite limited means and never having had the opportunity to complete her high school education, Doris sacrificed to have her sons be given opportunities in life and at universities and succeed.

And, despite a life with an undeserved share of hardship, she persevered. Doris lost her husband in 1966 when he was 45 years old and her oldest son in 1994 when he was 35 years old. Her oldest son died in an airplane accident where there were no survivors. He was returning home to Chicago on Halloween from a business trip. His lovely wife was five months pregnant with their first child. Sadly, Doris' oldest son, who grew up without a father, would not have opportunity to be a father and meet his son – now a wonderful young man. As Doris' health was failing, I shared with the caring nurses at the Nursing Home that she will wait until after her oldest son's 25-year anniversary of his death on Halloween until she herself rested – appropriately close to All Saints' Day.

For the past five years, Doris resided in an Assisted Living Facility and Nursing Home in Manhattan close to my family and me. At these homes, she made friends easily – "everyone knew Doris". Her Catholic faith gave her great comfort during these remaining years. Daily mass at Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home was the highlight of her day and a source of ongoing strength and spirituality.

Doris loved baseball and the New York Mets. We took her to her last game on May 3, 2015. Her favorite color, not surprisingly, was blue. She wished to be buried in the dress she wore to my wedding to Maria, 20 years ago. I have honored that wish and added an extra touch – a New York Mets jacket atop her gown. She will have no objections.

Doris was born on July 25, 1928, on the west side of Lower Manhattan. Her parents, Jean Chimenti and Massimo Mannelli, emigrated from Italy to the United States through Ellis Island. Doris married Frank DeMarco in the late 1950s. Frank is a U.S. Military Veteran having served in World War II. An American flag honoring his service remains with our family.

Visitation is at Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker Street, on Friday, November 8th from 3 to 8 pm.

Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in The Lady Chapel with Monsignor Robert Ritchie as Celebrant on Saturday, November 9th at 9:30 am.

Our family wishes to thank you for the outpouring of love, support, sentiment, and friendship. It is heart-warming and cherished.

- Chris DeMarco, proud and grateful son.

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