Donald A. Dichiara
Donald A. Dichiara
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Donald Dichiara Obituary
Donald Anthony DiChiara, a resident of Pawlet, Vermont, died peacefully though unexpectedly, at his home on April 7, 2025. He was born and raised in Yonkers, NY, where he was a local legend on football fields and baseball diamonds alike. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1956, where he quarterbacked the football team to an undefeated season his senior year. He studied Psychology at Colgate University, where he played football, was an All-American baseball player, and sang for the Colgate 13 - the oldest all-male a cappella group in the United States. He went on to play in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization in the early 1960s, and was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Susan, in 1963 and they raised three children in Ardsley, New York and then in Chatham, New Jersey. Don had a long and varied career in finance in New York City, while remaining true to his lifelong passions - sports and music. He was always present and involved in the athletic endeavors of his children, coached baseball and soccer, performed in local musical theater productions, and delighted people with his resonant voice whether on stage or off.
Leaving the city and the suburbs behind, he built a home in Pawlet, where he embraced the quiet life... his morning cup of coffee looking out at the rolling hills with his "bride" as he would say; walks with his canine companions; skiing and golfing; sitting around the warmth of a good fire in conversation or absorbed in a book; and taking great pride in caring for his property, enamored by the rumble of his Ford 9N tractor. Don's ability to tell a great story, his love of laughter and sense of humor, his kind and outgoing nature, all defined his spirited life.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Susan; his three children Karin, Donnie, and Michael; sister Gloria; and six grandchildren Samuel, Jackson, Isabelle, Max, Jake, and Emily.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Our Savior Parish in Manchester, VT on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11:00 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Christina & Lindsay Schieffelin
April 29, 2025
Don was the kind of guy that, when he walked into a room, people noticed. Tall, good looking, and he had an air of self-confidence that went right along with his huge smile.
Don was almost larger than life. He had a distinguished career, but he rarely bragged about what he had done. Despite his resonant voice, he was a humble man. And he absolutely loved talking with people! He could practically carry on a dinner conversation all by himself!
He had a great sense of humor, and his laugh would fill the room. While he had strong political beliefs, he got along with just about everyone. He was a member of Gemini Fitness, a small fitness center we own in Granville, NY. Don would saunter in, scanning the room, big smile on his face. Hi Bob, how are you? Joan, your looking good today! You´re working hard there, Randy, etc. He always had a warm greeting.
There was a small group of us guys who liked to exchange jokes, and Don always wanted in. His laugh was contagious, and he was never one to hold back his emotions. We also talked politics, although we often had to caution Don to keep his voice down. Don was passionate about just about everything in his life!
Don and Sue were marvelous dinner guests, and/or, hosts. Their Pawlet home was absolutely beautiful, and the views stunning (although the acres of lawn looked daunting to mow). They took great pride in their home and property, just as they took care of themselves. Don, being Italian, took an instant liking to Christina, another outspoken, charming Italian. They shared many a story at the gym, or over a meal.
A bit of a prankster at heart, Don had a heart of gold. He adored Sue and loved his family. His strong personality, marvelous wit, and impeccable character will stay with all of us. He was, truly, one-of-a-kind. We will miss him dearly.
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Vickie and Phillip Lehr
April 28, 2025
Some of our best and favorite memories of Vermont include those of Don and Sue Dichiara. Our golf outings and potlucks at Bob and Ellie's, the Hand and Foot marathons that we still continue today in Arizona and going to see him perform at Dorset Playhouse are all some of our best remembered. We will miss picturing him with his trusty dog by his side, checking out the birds outside his kitchen window and fixing drinks for his friends that he loved to entertain. Don, you will always have a special place in our hearts.
Vickie and Phil Lehr
Helen Maikisch
April 26, 2025
Dear Susan and family,
Whenever I think of Don, I think of his gusto for life, his impishness, his love for his family, his friendship.....and his glorious voice.
He is missed.
May you find peace in all your wonderful memories.
With love and in sympathy,
Helen
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34 Park Place P.O. Box 885, Manchester, VT 05255
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